1.
wooden mallet; pestle for pounding mochi
A large wooden mallet used to pound steamed glutinous rice in a mortar (臼) to make mochi. The traditional tool is associated with New Year's preparations and community festivals.
A heavy wooden mallet, typically made from a hard wood like keyaki (欅, zelkova). Used in 餅つき (mochi pounding), where one person swings the 杵 and another turns the 餅 in the 臼 (mortar) between strikes. This rhythmic teamwork is a beloved tradition at New Year's events and community festivals.
Common collocations
- 杵で餅をつく: to pound mochi with a mallet
- 杵を振り上げる: to raise the mallet high
- 臼と杵: mortar and mallet (always paired)
Cultural note
The image of a rabbit pounding mochi with a 杵 on the moon (月のうさぎ) is a well-known Japanese folk motif. 餅つき events are common at temples, community centers, and schools around New Year's.