Photo By Cpl. Antwain Graham | Nobuko Igei, 92, a resident of the Hikaraga Nursing Home shows Marines with 7th...... read more read more
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Though they celebrate many different holidays and customs, the two cultures have introduced each other to their respective traditions throughout the years.
Most recently, the Marines joined the staff and residents of the nursing home, Feb.26, to celebrate one of Japan's oldest traditions, mochitsuki.
Mochitsuki is a ceremony used to make mochi, a Japanese rice cake, or as it is called in Okinawa, "muchi," said Fumihiro Imakura, the coordinator of the visit.
Although this food is eaten year-round, mochi is a traditional food for the Japanese New Year and is commonly sold and eaten during that time, Imakura said.
He added that in Okinawa, "muchi" is made during the months of January and February.
The mochitsuki ceremony consists of one or two people pounding sticky rice with wooden mallets in a traditional mortar while yelling "Tsuki!" which literally means "to thrust," said Kaori Tanahara, the Camp Hansen community relations specialist.
The Marines and some of the staff and residents alternated the work, one pounding the rice and the other turning and wetting it to create the chewy treat.
"To make muchi they had to keep a steady rhythm to prevent from accidentally injuring one another with the heavy mallets," Tanahara said.
"It's somewhat of a workout, but it's a fun and spirited tradition that really brings the Marines and our residents together in harmony," said Imakura.
Despite the language barrier, the beating of the rice set the rhythm as the Marines and residents worked together to create the traditional snack.
It is important that the Marines living in Okinawa get the chance to experience some of the local culture first hand, according to Nobuko Igei, 92, a resident of the nursing home.
"Its nice that the Marines come to visit us, and that we can share our traditions with each other," Igei said.
Some Marines believe the event was a rare opportunity.
"It's an opportunity that not everyone can get so I'm glad I can be a part of this," said Pfc. Karellyn Sanchez, a maintenance management clerk with 7th Communications Bn.
Other Marines said their experience at the nursing home was enlightening.
"It's awesome how open they are to share their culture with us," said Lance Cpl. Eloy Rendon, a motor transport mechanic with 7th Comm. Bn. "It really tells a lot about the Okinawan people's humility.
Visiting the Hikaraga Nursing Home is a tradition the Marines and residents built together through the interest of learning each others cultures. Hopefully one that will keep the doors of the two worlds open for years to come.
| Date Taken: | 02.26.2010 |
| Date Posted: | 03.22.2010 20:54 |
| Story ID: | 47038 |
| Location: | OKINAWA, JP |
| Web Views: | 195 |
| Downloads: | 65 |
This work, Marines from Okinawa learn mochitsuki, one of Japan's oldest traditions, by Cpl Antwain Graham, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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