February 16, 2015
Lunar New Year
THE ASIAN REPORTER n Page 17
Growing attendance takes Mochitsuki to PSU
Continued from page 12
the papier-mâché animals of the zodiac, to
the origami jewels and art for sale, there
was something intriguing around every
corner.
A matcha tea ceremony was elegantly
presented in one tranquil room, with
observers able to watch through the
windows
without
disturbing
the
participants. Members of the local shogi
(Japanese chess) club held demonstrations
as well, and the Portland go club had
instructors and books available to teach
the game to newcomers.
The
third-floor
auditorium
was
frequently filled to capacity for pre-
sentations of music and classical dance,
including perennial favorites the Sahomi
Tachibana Dancers and Portland Taiko
amping up the crowd. The nonstop
performance stage, which also featured
the Fujinami Kai Dance Group, Dance
Leo, Unit Souzou, and others, was emceed
by storyteller Alton Chung.
On the second floor, Obukan, a local
kendo (Japanese-style fencing) club, kept
the crowd thrilled with demonstrations
and practice sessions. Students displayed
their swordsmanship in full gear while
their sensei (instructors) guided and
provided explanatory details to the crowd.
The celebration also featured an
interactive taiko table for people to try
their hand at the drums, a new-year
postcard-making station, a variety of local
cultural organizations, and more. Food
vendors were on hand making delicious
Japanese and Hawaiian cuisine as well,
with the mouth-watering aromas wafting
through the crowd.
NEW YEAR 2015. The third-floor auditorium was
the location for Mochitsuki’s afternoon of nonstop pre-
sentations. The stage featured performances by the
Sahomi Tachibana Dancers (left photo), Oregon Koto
Kai (right photo), and many others. (AR Photos/Jan
Landis)
A dorayaki cake, a delightful Japanese
confection that is basically a little pancake
sandwich with sweet azuki beans in the
middle, was the perfect thing to nibble on
while visiting the many educational
booths. A dreamy curry dish rounded out
the afternoon, and contributed to a full
belly and the feeling of abundance in honor
of the new year.
We are so lucky here in Portland to be
able to experience traditions from around
the world. Mochitsuki is a great example of
how cultural traditions enrich our lives
and strengthen our communities. Mark
your calendar for next year’s event, which
is scheduled for Sunday, January 31,
2016.
REVERSE
VENDOR FAIR
February 25, 2015
REGISTER NOW
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We celebrate the wisdom of collaboration and the strength of diversity.
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