The Nikkei National Museum and Cultural Centre is hosting its annual Mochitsuki event – meaning mochi-pounding – this Thursday, Dec. 29.
The museum is inviting the public to come and celebrate the traditional Japanese year-end activity “the old-fashioned way: with a hollowed-out tree trunk and wooden mallet,” according to the event page.
Featuring a wide variety of Japanese food trucks and vendors, you can grab a bite to eat and drink from one of these vendors:
- Japadog
- Kanadell Bakery
- Chad Tea House
- Hatchan Takoyaki
- Tokyo Katsu-sand
- Rocket coffee
- Japanese Crepe Sasuke
There will also be performances by Chibi Taiko, Satsuki-kai, Okinawa Taiko and a mochi-pounding demonstration by the Vancouver Japanese Gardeners Association (the mochi-pounding demonstration will be at 11:50 a.m.)
Don’t forget to pick up handmade mochi for sale as well. The museum’s auxiliary will sell both fresh plates of mochi (three pieces per plate) for $5 and a one-pound bag of mochi to take home for $9.
Check out the museum’s event website for tips on how to eat mochi.
Note that the washi exhibition is closed until further notice, but the upper level exhibit, museum shop and reception will be open from Dec. 28 to 30 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Nikkei Mochitsuki in Burnaby
When: Thursday, Dec. 29 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: Nikkei National Museum and Cultural Centre (6688 Southoaks Cres.)
Cost: Free admission
