The Japan-America Society of Dallas\/Fort Worth and Dallas Japanese Association Announce 2026 Mochitsuki New Year’s Celebration at Edith and Peter O’Donnell Jr. Athenaeum \u2013 UT Dallas<\/p>\n
\n Mochitsuki \u2014 the traditional ceremony of pounding rice into mochi \u2014 is one of Japan’s
\nmost iconic ways to welcome the New Year. <\/p>\n
DALLAS-FORT WORTH, TX, December 01, 2025 \/24-7PressRelease\/ — The Japan-America Society of Dallas\/Fort Worth (JASDFW), the Crow Museum of Asian Art, and the Center of Asian Studies at The University of Texas at Dallas <\/strong>along with collaborating partner the Dallas Japanese Association are pleased to announce the 2026 Mochitsuki New Year’s Celebration<\/strong>, to be held on Sunday, January 11, 2026<\/strong>, from 2:00\u20135:00 p.m.<\/strong> at the Edith and Peter O’Donnell Jr. Athenaeum located on The University of Texas at Dallas campus<\/strong>. Admission to the event is free<\/strong>, and all attendees will receive free freshly made mochi<\/strong>, a cherished Japanese New Year treat.<\/p>\n Mochitsuki \u2014 the traditional ceremony of pounding rice into mochi \u2014 is one of Japan’s most iconic ways to welcome the New Year. The celebration symbolizes good health, longevity, and community unity. This annual event invites the Dallas-Fort Worth community to experience this tradition firsthand through demonstrations, tastings, and hands-on cultural activities and performances.<\/p>\n Event highlights include:<\/strong> “We are excited to welcome the community to celebrate the New Year and experience the rich traditions of Japanese culture,” said Grant Hiroshi Ogata, President of Japan-America Society of Dallas\/Fort Worth. “This event is a wonderful opportunity for families and individuals to learn, participate, and enjoy cultural exchange in a warm and festive environment at the beautiful new building at the Crow Museum of Asian Art at The University of Texas at Dallas campus.”<\/p>\n The Mochitsuki New Year’s Celebration is sponsored by the Crow Museum of Asian Art <\/strong>and the Center for Asian Studies at The University of Texas at Dallas<\/strong>, whose ongoing support continues to make this vibrant community gathering possible.<\/p>\n Event Details<\/strong> To stay connected and reserve your spot for cultural programs like this
\n\u2022 Live Mochitsuki demonstrations<\/strong>
\n\u2022 Freshly prepared mochi for all guests<\/strong>
\n\u2022 Traditional Japanese New Year activities<\/strong>, including calligraphy, nengajo card-displays, kendama, koma, fukuwarai and more.
\n\u2022 Cultural performances by local artists<\/strong> (final lineup to be confirmed)
\n\u2022 Ikebana or bonsai displays\/demonstrations<\/strong> (pending confirmation)
\n\u2022 A special exhibit of Nengajo contest winners from JASDFW outreach schools<\/strong>
\n\u2022 Tour of Crow Museum of Asian Art <\/strong><\/p>\n
\nDate:<\/strong> Sunday, January 11, 2026
\nTime:<\/strong> 2:00\u20135:00 p.m.
\nVenue:<\/strong> Crow Museum of Asian Art \u2014 The UT Dallas Campus
\nAddress:<\/strong> 777 Loop Rd. SW, Richardson, TX, 75080
\nAdmission and parking:<\/strong> FREE (includes free mochi)<\/p>\n
\none, please RSVP by visiting<\/strong>: https:\/\/www.eventbrite.com\/e\/mochitsuki-tickets-1975055554330?aff=oddtdtcreator<\/a><\/p>\n