Online dictionary of history and traditions in Japan: Mochi

This is the online Japanese dictionary developed by Free Light Software. With our tool, you can find easily an equivalent Japanese word from English, or send queries to Japanese search engines without knowing Japanese translation. Click on a Japanese word to browse in Japanese search engines. Click on a globe icon to find the position of a locality on Japanese map (maybe take a few seconds to display). The dictionary of Japanese general terms is available at Online Japanese dictionary.

French version

Mochi

餅お餅
alternative words: Omochi, Rice cake
keywords: food
related topics: New year , Senbei , Kagami mochi , Ozoni , Wagashi
related web sites: http://www.asahi-net.or.jp/~bn9m-smd/ , http://www.asahi-net.or.jp/~nr8c-ab/afjptukiusagi.htm , http://www.sgm.co.jp/conts/club/tei/garage/0001/0001.htm
explanation: The history if "mochi" is old as rice culture itself. It consists to strike in a mortar for several minutes steamed mochigome (highly glutinous rice) then spread to a shelf. Soon it will be harden and fit to a conservation. In order to eat it, it will be cut off to small pieces (about 5 cm) and be grilled or boiled in a soup with vegetables (ozoni). The latter is especially tasted during a new year celebration. Mochi is also an essential ingredient of Japanese cakes (wagashi) such as senbei.