Saipan’s New Year Mochitsuki Festival

In celebration of the New Year, tourists and community members gathered outside Kinpachi Restaurant in Garapan on Tuesday for a festive mochi-making and tasting event. Participants at this year’s Mochitsuki Festival took turns pounding the mochi before enjoying the freshly made treat. The celebration also featured lively performances by the Saipan Awaodori Team, along with indigenous Chamorro and Carolinian dances infused with holiday flair.

In attendance that evening was Consul TOMI Yoshiyuki, Head of Office from the Consular Office of Japan, he shared with Marianas Press "This is my first opportunity to attend this Mochitsuki event. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to all members who have supported and contributed to this event. I really wish that friendship between Saipan and Japan would be strengthened and deepened more and more through our mutual efforts. Happy new year!"

Enjoy some of the evening's highlights, captured by Chrystal Marino.