ABOUT KAGAMI MOCHI (鏡餅) - JAPANESE NEW YEAR CULTURE -

What is Kagami Mochi(鏡餅)?

Kagami Mochi consists of two round rice cakes stacked on top of each other.

The word "Kagami" means mirror, "Mochi" means rice cake. The round shape is reminiscent of traditional Japanese mirrors, which have always had a special spiritual significance.

The History of Kagami Mochi

The history of Kagami Mochi is closely connected to the traditional Japanese belief in the spiritual significance of rice and mirrors.

Rice and mochi have always been considered special foods and were offered to the deities as sacrifices. Round mirrors also had a sacred significance in Japanese culture.

From these traditions developed the custom of offering the round rice cakes to the deities as symbolic mirrors.

As early as the Muromachi period (1336–1573), it was customary to display Kagami Mochi for the Japanese New Year festival.

In my Kagami Mochi workshop, I combine this traditional Japanese knot art with one of the most beautiful symbols of the Japanese New Year. With every knot, a small work of art is created that embodies wishes for happiness, health, harmony, and a good new beginning. Thus, a centuries-old tradition becomes a timeless decoration for your home.