World Neighbors Gokokuji Mochitsuki Festival 2018!
It is the beginning of the new year, 2018!! Can you believe it?
In Japan, the new year brings with it many traditions. Among shrine visits and new years card exchanges, there is also Mochitsuki!
Mochitsuki is the pounding of rice, to make chewy delicious rice cakes!
This year, residents, staff, and even neighborhood friends gathered for a Mochitsuki event at World Neighbors Gokokuji!
This time I would like to share a few of the many many fun photos of the event!
Residents of all different backgrounds stood up to the plate, to pound the rice!
Families joined in, bringing their lovely children along! It was a great way to connect with our neighbors!
Even our energetic staff took a turn!
Many thanks to the local expert helped participants have a wonderful experience and made the whole event possible!
Thank you to everyone who participated! We hope you had an amazing time to experience Japanese new year and connect with your fellow residents and the community, as well as make new friends!
World Neighbors Gokokuji has a very active community and great access with 6 minutes walk of Shin-Otsuka station, Gokokuji station, and a bus straight to Ueno right outside!
This January and February we will also have a special workshop conducted by the famous Marvel Spiderman artist, Nico Leon!