The Japan-America Society of Dallas/Fort Worth (JASDFW), the Crow Museum of Asian Art, and the Center of Asian Studies at The University of Texas at Dallas, along with the Dallas Japanese Association, have announced the 2026 Mochitsuki New Year's Celebration. The event will take place on Sunday, January 11, 2026, from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. at the Edith and Peter O'Donnell Jr. Athenaeum on the UT Dallas campus. Admission is free, and all attendees will receive complimentary freshly made mochi, a traditional Japanese New Year treat.
Mochitsuki, the ceremonial pounding of rice into mochi, is a cherished Japanese New Year tradition symbolizing good health, longevity, and community unity. This annual celebration invites the Dallas-Fort Worth community to experience the tradition firsthand through live demonstrations, tastings, and interactive cultural activities. Event highlights include live Mochitsuki demonstrations, freshly prepared mochi for all guests, traditional Japanese New Year activities such as calligraphy, nengajo card displays, kendama, koma, and fukuwarai, as well as cultural performances by local artists. Displays of ikebana or bonsai are pending confirmation, and a special exhibit of Nengajo contest winners from JASDFW outreach schools will be featured. Guests can also tour the Crow Museum of Asian Art during the event.
"We are excited to welcome the community to celebrate the New Year and experience the rich traditions of Japanese culture," said Grant Hiroshi Ogata, President of JASDFW. "This event is a wonderful opportunity for families and individuals to learn, participate, and enjoy cultural exchange in a warm and festive environment at the beautiful new building at the Crow Museum of Asian Art at The University of Texas at Dallas campus." The Mochitsuki New Year's Celebration is sponsored by the Crow Museum of Asian Art and the Center for Asian Studies at The University of Texas at Dallas, whose ongoing support makes this community gathering possible.
The event is free, including parking and mochi. Attendees are encouraged to RSVP via the Eventbrite page to reserve their spot. The Japan-America Society of Dallas/Fort Worth connects North Texas and Japan through cultural, business, and educational programming, strengthening the partnership between Japan and Texas while cultivating mutual respect and appreciation.
