Photo gallery of 2nd Annual Japanese New Year’s Mochitsuki celebration

Odaiko Sonora taiko drummers welcoming in the New Year of the Sheep
Odaiko Sonora taiko drummers welcomed in the New Year of the Sheep

On January 10, 2015 the Southern Arizona Japanese Cultural Coalition (SAJCC) sponsored their 2nd Annual mochi pounding celebration for the new Year of the Sheep.  Here are photos of that lively event, held at the Rhythm Industry Performance Factory, home of Odaiko Sonora (taiko drummers), 1013 S. Tyndall Ave. All photos except for the last one taken by freelance photographer James Tokishi.

Tracy, Nicole and Karen from Odaiko Sonora pounding mochi
Tracy, Karen and Nicole from Odaiko Sonora pounding mochi

 

Odaiko Sonora taiko drummers performing
Odaiko Sonora taiko drummers performing as mochi is being pounded

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Celebrate New Year at 2nd Annual Japanese Mochi pounding

Join our Japanese community here in Tucson for a mochi (rice cake) pounding and tasting festival, with taiko drumming, songs by Yuki Ibuki (from Kyoto), raffle prizes, Japanese game playing (ayatori, fukuwarai, kendama, go/igo, and hanafuda – latter taught by yours truly), and origami folding. Admission only $5, with children 5 years and under free. … Read more

UA Museum of Art showcases Japanese woodblock prints

From U of AZ Museum of Art website: Literally meaning “pictures of the floating world”, Ukiyo-e refers to the famous Japanese woodblock prints genre that originated in the seventeenth century. Informed by depictions of city life, entertainment, leisure, beautiful women, kabuki actors, and landscapes, Ukiyo-e magnified the sophistication of the newly minted bourgeoisie who had … Read more