Mochi Tsuki would not be the same without the skill, energy, and humor of master mochi pounder, Shoichi Sugiyama. From our early days at Islandwood, Shoichi has made the trek to Bainbridge Island to direct the pounding of warm batches of steamed rice in the usu. Whether beginner or old hand, Shoichi makes everyone feel like an important part of the action at the mochi pounding station.
Public Mochi Pounding!
Kids pounding rice
Expert pounder
Public mochi pounding
Steaming rice
Master Shoichi
Mike Okano helping pounders
Soaking kine
Young master pounder, Tony Egashira, steaming rice