Yokosuka, Japan (Dec. 12, 2022) – NAVSUP FLC Yokosuka/DDYJ and Japan Maritime Self Defense Force (JMSDF) Ship Supply Depot (SSD) deepened the relationship during the annual Japanese traditional event of mochi or rice-cake pounding ceremony, held for the first time since the Covid-19 outbreak.
The ceremony, served as the 24th anniversary of the founding of SSD and provided their US counterparts an opportunity to share in Japanese cultural events, to include mochi-pounding, Judo demonstration and soba noodle-making.
Speaking at an opening remarks, Capt. Masaharu Suzuki, JMSDF SSD Commanding Officer said the mochi-pounding ceremony is a living witness to a history of the strong Japan-US alliance.
“Mochi-pounding ceremony has been held between SSD and NAVSUP FLC Yokosuka this time of the year long before SSD was founded, so we can say that the mochi-pounding event is a living witness of strong Japan-US alliance.” said Capt. Suzuki.
NAVSUP FLC Yokosuka Commanding Officer Capt. Michael Carl thanked his Japanese counterpart for the continued robust bilateral engagement between the two naval logistics commands and also for the invitation to the event.
“Capt. Suzuki, I’m grateful for the strong relationship FLCY and DDY share with SSD. Events like today’s mochi-pounding allows us to experience your Japanese culture and for that, I’m grateful.” Capt. Carl told.
During the traditional mochi-pounding ceremony, which heralds the coming of the New Year, Sailors and their spouses wielded large wooden mallets and struck wetted piles of steamed rice that were placed in big mortars. The pounding continues until the glutinous rice mixture has the consistency of soft taffy. The finished rice cakes were then seasoned and given out for participants to bring home.
Date Taken: | 12.12.2022 |
Date Posted: | 12.19.2022 00:55 |
Photo ID: | 7556031 |
VIRIN: | 221212-N-SM621-017 |
Resolution: | 3699x4874 |
Size: | 3.21 MB |
Location: | YOKOSUKA, KANAGAWA, JP |
Web Views: | 8 |
Downloads: | 2 |
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