Japan’s Quickest Mochi Artisan Showcases Traditional Treat Making at Blazing Speed
A trip to Japan is not truly fulfilled without sampling some of its exquisite culinary treats. The allure lies not only in the flavors but also in the meticulous preparation of each dish. One of the most captivating preparations is mochi. This delightful confection is a time-honored staple in Japanese gastronomy, enchanting many with its diverse flavors and soft, chewy consistency. And no one crafts mochi quite like Mitsuo Nakatani, the celebrated mochi artisan of Japan.
The enchantment unfolds at Nakatanidou, the shop that Nakatani has expertly run for over three decades. Situated in Nara, within the Kansai region near Kyoto, the venue invites those eager to taste these rice cakes and witness the mesmerizing mochitsuki, also known as the mochi-making ritual. During mochitsuki, chefs pound the glutinous sticky rice using a kine or mallet, transforming it into a pliable paste that is then divided to create mochi.
Nakatani executes this method with such dexterity that he is widely regarded as the swiftest mochi master throughout Japan. A visit to Nakatanidou allows onlookers to observe Nakatani’s rapid technique at work through the store’s windows. As an assistant strikes the mixture of mochigome (glutinous rice grain) with remarkable accuracy, Nakatani blends the paste by hand in the very same wooden mortar. This duo has perfected a calculated choreography that has kept the cook safe from any mishaps during their craft.
“There are various methods for pounding mochi, but the most traditional involves one person pounding while the other mixes by hand,” Nakatani shared with Great Big Story. The chef further revealed that he typically pounds the sticky rice swiftly for around two minutes, maintaining an average of three strikes per second. “There is no formal education in mochi pounding. It’s something that comes with practical experience over the years. The secret to effective mixing is all about timing and having faith in the person who is pounding. We shout to synchronize with each other and establish a rhythm. To me, crafting mochi is akin to engaging in battle. Anyone can pound mochi if they have the determination.”
Should you find yourself in Nara, you can witness Nakatani bringing these confections to life three times each day between 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. at Nakatanidou. Each piece of mochi costs around 200 Yen (approximately $1.39 USD), and travel enthusiasts deem it an excellent snack to sustain you on your long explorations of the city. Nakatanidou is located at 29 Hashimotocho, nestled within the lively Higashimuki Shopping Street.
Sources: [Pounding Mochi With the Fastest Mochi Maker in Japan](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tmSrULDVRPc); [Only in Japan TV on Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/reel/DJMVyIXzF4H/); [Nakatanidou Mochi Shop](https://travel.gaijinpot.com/nakatanidou-mochi-shop/); [A journey to the origins of Japanese ‘mochi’ and its ancient ritual](https://english.elpais.com/international/2023-07-10/a-journey-to-the-origins-of-japanese-mochi-and-its-ancient-ritual.html)
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