Dallas-Fort Worth Organizations Announce 2026 Mochitsuki New Year's Celebration to Strengthen Cultural Ties

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 freshly made mochi, a traditional Japanese New Year delicacy.

Mochitsuki, the ceremonial pounding of rice into mochi, represents one of Japan's most iconic ways to welcome the new year, symbolizing good health, longevity, and community unity. This annual gathering offers the Dallas-Fort Worth community an opportunity to experience Japanese traditions firsthand through demonstrations, tastings, and hands-on cultural activities. Event highlights include live mochitsuki demonstrations, traditional Japanese New Year activities such as calligraphy and nengajo card displays, and cultural performances by local artists. Additional features may include ikebana or bonsai displays and a special exhibit of nengajo contest winners from JASDFW outreach schools.

Grant Hiroshi Ogata, President of the Japan-America Society of Dallas/Fort Worth, emphasized the event's role in cultural exchange. "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," Ogata said. 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 enables this vibrant community gathering. The venue is located at 777 Loop Rd. SW, Richardson, TX, 75080, with free admission and parking available.

The event's importance lies in its capacity to strengthen cultural ties and promote mutual understanding between Japanese and American communities in North Texas. By providing free access to authentic cultural experiences, organizations like JASDFW help bridge cultural divides and enrich the regional social fabric. Those interested in attending can find more information through the event's official RSVP page at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/mochitsuki-tickets-1975055554330?aff=oddtdtcreator. Such initiatives highlight the ongoing efforts to foster international friendship and appreciation through shared traditions and educational programming.

For Texas businesses and the broader community, this event represents more than just cultural entertainment—it serves as a tangible example of how international partnerships and cultural exchange contribute to the state's economic and social vitality. As Texas continues to grow as a global business hub, events that promote cross-cultural understanding create an environment more attractive to international companies and professionals. The collaboration between educational institutions like UT Dallas, cultural organizations like the Crow Museum of Asian Art, and community groups demonstrates how diverse sectors can work together to enhance Texas's cultural landscape while supporting the state's economic development goals.

The free nature of the event ensures accessibility for all community members, removing financial barriers that might prevent participation in cultural enrichment activities. This approach aligns with Texas's reputation for hospitality and inclusion while providing educational value that extends beyond the event itself. As attendees experience traditional Japanese customs like mochitsuki, they gain insights that can translate to better business relationships, more effective communication, and deeper appreciation for the diverse perspectives that drive innovation in today's global economy.