Good afternoon. The 8th of December holds a deeply significant place in Buddhism as “Jodo-e,” the day commemorating when Siddhartha Gautama, the founder of Buddhism, attained supreme enlightenment under the Bodhi tree. From this pivotal moment, more than 2,500 years ago, the entire history of Buddhism began, eventually spreading far and wide across diverse cultures. When it reached Japan, the teachings blended harmoniously with local customs, evolving into the unique form of Japanese Buddhism we practice today.

On this occasion, I would like to introduce a beautiful aspect of Japanese cultural heritage. Among Japan’s many traditions, there is a special custom of stacking two round rice cakes, called “mochi,” as a sacred decoration during the New Year. This traditional offering is known as “Kagami Mochi.” Families place it in their homes to celebrate the beginning of the year and to welcome “Toshigami-sama,” the deity of the New Year who brings blessings and renewal. While the practice of arranging Kagami Mochi is said to have originated during the Heian period over 1,000 years ago, the deeper custom of offering freshly harvested rice to express gratitude to spiritual beings dates back even further. Toshigami-sama represents a highly revered spiritual presence in Japanese folklore, and the Kagami Mochi embodies the heartfelt custom of welcoming the incoming year as a divine visitor.

This tradition serves as an invaluable bridge, passing down ancestral wisdom, culture, and values to the next generation. While we often use the phrase “passed down” lightly, centuries of parental devotion and cultural continuity are woven into this simple practice. The two stacked mochi cakes symbolize “heaven and earth” or the sacred relationship between “parents and children”—concepts of universal harmony found in cultures worldwide. Thus, Kagami Mochi is far more than a simple food item; it stands as a visual testament to family unity and domestic peace.

At the very top of the Kagami Mochi sits a small citrus fruit. In ancient Japan, this fruit was called “daidai.” This custom arose because the word “daidai” is a homophone for the Japanese phrase meaning “from generation to generation,” representing a prayer for the longevity and prosperity of the family lineage. When families gather to celebrate the New Year, the Kagami Mochi serves as a central symbol around which laughter and warm conversations are shared. Around January 11th, families gather once more to break and eat the mochi in a ritual called “Kagami Biraki.” This event marks the official end of the New Year season and helps transition everyone smoothly back to daily life. During Kagami Biraki, tradition strictly forbids using knives or blades, as cutting the mochi is associated with “cutting” family ties; instead, the mochi is gently broken using a wooden mallet to preserve unity.

Today, I wanted to share with you the beauty of cherishing our cultural roots. In our temple, we will hold a traditional mochi-making event on December 30th and will have Kagami Mochi available for purchase. I warmly invite you all to decorate your homes with Kagami Mochi and welcome the coming year in the warm embrace of your family.