Dallas-Fort Worth Organizations Announce Free 2026 Mochitsuki New Year's Celebration at UT Dallas

The Japan-America Society of Dallas/Fort Worth, in collaboration with the Crow Museum of Asian Art, the Center of Asian Studies at The University of Texas at Dallas, and the Dallas Japanese Association, has 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 free freshly made mochi, a traditional Japanese New Year delicacy.

Mochitsuki, the ceremonial pounding of rice into mochi, represents one of Japan's most significant New Year traditions, symbolizing good health, longevity, and community unity. This annual celebration offers the Dallas-Fort Worth community an immersive experience through live demonstrations, tastings, and various hands-on cultural activities. Event highlights include live Mochitsuki demonstrations, traditional Japanese New Year activities such as calligraphy, nengajo card displays, kendama, koma, and fukuwarai, along with cultural performances by local artists. Additional features may include ikebana or bonsai displays and a special exhibit showcasing Nengajo contest winners from JASDFW outreach schools. Attendees will also have the opportunity to tour the Crow Museum of Asian Art, located at https://www.crowmuseum.org.

Grant Hiroshi Ogata, President of the Japan-America Society of Dallas/Fort Worth, emphasized the event's role in cultural exchange, stating it provides a wonderful opportunity for families and individuals to learn and participate in a festive environment. The celebration is sponsored by the Crow Museum of Asian Art and the Center for Asian Studies at The University of Texas at Dallas, whose support ensures the continuity of this vibrant community gathering. The venue is the Crow Museum of Asian Art on the UT Dallas campus, with the address at 777 Loop Rd. SW, Richardson, TX, 75080. Both admission and parking are free, and the event includes complimentary mochi for all guests.

This announcement holds importance for several reasons. For the local community, it provides accessible cultural education and fosters cross-cultural understanding, strengthening ties between Japanese and American traditions in North Texas. The free admission model ensures inclusivity, allowing diverse demographics to participate without financial barriers. For the organizations involved, such as the Japan-America Society of Dallas/Fort Worth, which connects North Texas and Japan through friendship and exchange, the event reinforces their mission and visibility. The collaboration with academic and cultural institutions like the Center for Asian Studies and the Crow Museum of Asian Art highlights the role of universities and museums in promoting global awareness and community engagement.

Industry-wise, events like this support cultural tourism and local economies by attracting visitors and promoting the region's diversity. They also set a precedent for other cities to host similar intercultural celebrations, potentially inspiring broader adoption of such initiatives. On a global scale, the Mochitsuki celebration contributes to preserving and sharing intangible cultural heritage, aligning with efforts to maintain traditional practices in a modern context. By offering hands-on experiences, it moves beyond passive observation to active participation, which can deepen appreciation and reduce cultural barriers. The event's timing at the start of the New Year also resonates with universal themes of renewal and unity, making it relevant beyond specific cultural boundaries. To stay connected and reserve a spot for cultural programs, attendees can RSVP by visiting https://www.eventbrite.com/e/mochitsuki-tickets-1975055554330?aff=oddtdtcreator.