Tower of Mochi

Opening the Mirror

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January 11th 2017
Kagami Biraki 鏡開き is a traditional Japanese ceremony that traditionally falls on 11th January as odd numbers represent good luck in Japan. It translates as 'opening the mirror' or 'breaking of the mochi' and refers to the opening of a kagami mochi or cask of Sake at a party. The first ceremony was held over 300 years ago by the fourth Tokugawa Shogun on the eve of war. He gathered his dai ... read more

Asia » Japan

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In 1603, a Tokugawa shogunate (military dictatorship) ushered in a long period of isolation from foreign influence in order to secure its power. For 250 years this policy enabled Japan to enjoy stability and a flowering of its indigenous culture. Fol... ... read more