Mochi-Tsuki Practice

We had a mochi-tsuki practice with some Japanese students at Kodokan on Sunday.







We all tried pounding mochi in the stone bowl, and here's what we get:



we tried with sweet bean soup, ground soybean powder, soy sauce, and of course, natto (for some brave ones).

Tea Ceremony at Shukkeien

We had a "welcome tea ceremony" for exchange students at Shukkeien Garden.





Learned about how the tea master prepares for the tea ceremony with flowers, charcoals and tea bowls, and tried Japanese tea and sweets.






Even Japanese students weren't able to get up after sitting in Japanese style for a long time!