Introducing Japanese Culture

Kagami Mochi, Mirror Rice Cake

Kagami Mochi, Mirror Rice Cake, is a traditional Japanese New Year decoration consisting of round, flat rice cakes stacked in 2-3 layers, typically topped with tangerine, and others. It represents good fortune. The stacking of two Kagami Mochi is particularly meaningful, symbolizing the moon and the sun, and is believed to bring luck by “accumulating good fortune.” Shogatsu, or the New Year, is a significant cultural celebration marking the beginning of the year. The first three days, from 1/1 to 3, known as Sanganichi, are a special time when families come together to celebrate.

On January 11th, a ceremonial ritual called Kagami Biraki takes place, where the Kagami Mochi is broken apart using a traditional mallet. The fragmented pieces are transformed into dishes like Oshiruko—a sweet dessert created by simmering azuki beans into a liquid, sweetening it with sugar, and adding soft, chewy mochi.