Mochitsuki is a Japanese New Year tradition of pounding steamed, short grain rice until it forms a sticky ball. It’s then torn apart and eaten plain or with sweet or savory ingredients. Eating mochi is thought to bring good luck for the new year. Japanese immigrants to the United States brought this tradition with them over a hundred years ago. It was passed down through the generations and is a fun-filled family activity that ends with a sweet (or savory!) treat. Mochitsuki has its roots in the Heian Period of Japanese history (784 – 1185). It’s become such a part of traditional Japanese culture that if you look up at the night sky and see a full moon, you won’t see a face, but a rabbit pounding mochi. Come learn about this tradition and sample home-made mochi!
Included free with membership or admission; no registration is required.
Learn more about New Year's traditions throughout Asia »
The mission of the Oregon Nikkei Endowment is to preserve and honor the history and culture of Japanese Americans in the Pacific Northwest, to educate the public about the Japanese American experience during World War II, and to advocate for the protection of civil rights for all Americans. Visit the Oregon Nikkei Legacy Center located at 121 NW 2nd Ave. Portland, OR 97209
Traditional lantern viewings close out Chinese New Year festivities when the garden glows with hanging red lanterns and the lake reflects the light of large illuminated lantern sculptures.
239 Northwest Everett Street, Portland, Oregon 97209
Call Us: 503.228.8131
Lan Su Chinese Garden
38 NW Davis St #260, Portland, OR 97209
Members, donors and visitors help keep Lan Su healthy and growing. Lan Su is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and all donations and memberships are tax deductible. Lan Su’s Federal Tax ID number (EIN) is 93-1296840.