“Mochi” Rice Cake: A Food for All Seasons

Mochi-tsuki involves pounding rice cake in a wooden mortar. The mochi is then divided into different portions.

A New Year kagami mochi display.

Mochi is a key ingredient in zōni, a soup often eaten on January 1.

Colorful hishi mochi brightens the March doll festival.

Mochi balloons over a charcoal grill.

Abekawa mochi (left) and isobe yaki.

Mochi pizza topped with melted cheese.

Nama-yatsuhashi are a favorite Kyoto souvenir.

Strawberry-filled ichigo daifuku.