NEWS

Momi House and Maple House Organized a Mochi Pounding (Mochitsuki) Event

Update: January 28, 2026

The day where the dorms are bustling with people once again returned this year.

The mochitsuki event, that is deeply connected to tradition, was held on Sunday, January 25 in the Wisteria Hall on the 1st floor of Maple House and Momi House. On that day, many students from all the dorms on campus as well as members of the Inuboe-kai (Alumni members of the former Second Men's Dormitory), alumni and staff gathered together, and it became a lively time that crossed generations.

Everyone circled around the millstone, collectively shouting "YOISHO!" and in-turn swinging the mallet, and with each swing, laughter and applause spread. When the mochi was freshly pounded, the current dormitory students started to help by cutting the mochi, surrounded by a ring of people who were longing for the mochi. In addition, there were people who circled around the pot of the pork miso soup made with the sincerity of the executive committee of the event and exclaiming how delicious it was. The event was so impactful that it made fellow students whose dorms are different and who do not usually have a chance to interact, to open up to others, and bond with each other. Casual conversations between alumni dorm students and current dorm students created a warm scene of laughter and smiles that didn't fade. Eating, cooperating, and most importantly, having fun, all accumulating together to give birth to a relaxing and peaceful time that develops a "dorm" into a place that gives birth to such connections.

As such, the grand mochitsuki event was not only important for the current dormitory students but also for the alumni dorm students, as it offered a place for exchange that crosses generations. It is an irreplaceable event that distinctively characterizes the dorm. ICU will continue to carefully protect this event not only as a place of cultural exchange filled with smiles and laughter, that a lot of people want to visit, but also as a place where one can grow. We at the ICU, are sincerely waiting for everyone's participation next year from the bottom of our hearts.