JASDF hosts annual mochi-pounding ceremony

JASDF hosts annual mochi-pounding ceremony

The U.S. Air Force Band of the Pacific performs during the Japan Air Self-Defense Force mochi-pounding ceremony at Yokota Air Base, Japan, Dec. 11, 2025. The annual event highlighted the long-standing tradition of mochi-making as participants rhythmically pounded and shaped rice, symbolizing prosperity and the start of the new year. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Carissa McSwain)

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JASDF hosts annual mochi-pounding ceremony

U.S. Air Force Col. Richard McElhaney, 374th Airlift Wing commander, swings a mallet during the Japan Air Self-Defense Force mochi-pounding ceremony at Yokota Air Base, Japan, Dec. 11, 2025. The annual event brought U.S. and Japan personnel together for a hands-on cultural exchange that highlighted the traditions strengthening community ties. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Carissa McSwain)

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JASDF hosts annual mochi-pounding ceremony

A Yokota community member pounds mochi with a mallet during the Japan Air Self-Defense Force mochi-pounding ceremony at Yokota Air Base, Japan, Dec. 11, 2025. The annual event highlighted the long-standing tradition of mochi-making as participants rhythmically pounded and shaped rice, symbolizing prosperity and the start of the new year. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Carissa McSwain)

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JASDF hosts annual mochi-pounding ceremony

A Japan Air Self-Defense Force member wraps mochi in bacon during the Japan Air Self-Defense Force mochi-pounding ceremony at Yokota Air Base, Japan, Dec. 11, 2025. Mochi is made from glutinous-rice pounded into a dough and shaped into dumplings, and the pounding process is a traditional New Year’s custom. Bacon-mochi is not traditional, it’s a special menu for non-Japanese guests. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Carissa McSwain)

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JASDF hosts annual mochi-pounding ceremony

U.S. Air Force and Japan Air Self-Defense Force members play holiday music on the koto during the Japan Air Self-Defense Force mochi-pounding ceremony at Yokota Air Base, Japan, Dec. 11, 2025. The koto is a large, 13-string wooden instrument commonly used in traditional Japanese music. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Carissa McSwain)

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JASDF hosts annual mochi-pounding ceremony

From right, Japan Air Self-Defense Force Lt. Gen. Masahito Yajima, Air Defense Command commander and U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen Stephen Jost, U.S. Forces Japan and 5th Air Force commander, watches koto performance during the Japan Air Self-Defense Force mochi-pounding ceremony at Yokota Air Base, Japan, Dec. 11, 2025. The annual event emphasized cultural exchange and strengthened the partnership between U.S. and Japanese forces. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Carissa McSwain)

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JASDF hosts annual mochi-pounding ceremony

U.S. Air Force and Japan Air Self-Defense Force members pose for a photo during the JASDF mochi-pounding ceremony at Yokota Air Base, Japan, Dec. 11, 2025. The annual event emphasized cultural exchange and strengthened the partnership between U.S. and Japanese forces. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Carissa McSwain)

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U.S. Air Force and Japan Air Self-Defense Force members participated in the annual mochi-pounding ceremony hosted by JASDF Operations Support Wing at Yokota Air Base, Japan, Dec. 11, 2025. The evenU.S. Air Force and Japan Air Self-Defense Force members participated in the annual mochi-pounding ceremony hosted by JASDF Operations Support Wing at Yokota Air Base, Japan, Dec. 11, 2025. The event highlighted the long-standing tradition of mochi-making as participants rhythmically pounded and shaped rice, symbolizing prosperity and the start of the new year.