On January 9^th, a volunteer group called TICC (Tokai International Communication Club) here at Tokai organized an event to make some "mochi" to celebrate the New Year. "Mochi-Tsuki" as we say in Japanese, is a Japanese tradition of the New Year, therefore, I thought, why not go?

Basically, we gathered outside around a certain area, and in the center there was a hammer and a wooden barrel to hold the mochi. One of the assistants would add the water to the mochi, and then anyone could grab the hammer and have a go at slamming down on the humid rice. I had a go at it, and I almost hit the girl's fingers.

Anyway, once the mochi was done, they would bring it to different tables ready to each make a different kind of flavours for the mochi. Then everyone could chow down as much as they wanted. I had never tasted anything as sweet as mochi so I was surprised when I was given "shōyu" (soya sauce) as dipping sauce. 

It was a pleasant experience, culture wise, and although that night was the worst night for my leg pain during the time I was wearing my cast, I enjoyed it!