1st birthday rice cake


Meaning, how to do it, and what to do if it doesn't work

"It's been a year since my child was born..."

It was with such emotion that I celebrated my first birthday.

"I hope this child will be happy for the rest of his life."

The one-sho rice cake celebration embodies a mother's deep love.

But what if it's too heavy and I can't stand it up?

"Is it bad luck if I cry?"

There is no need to worry about that.

No matter what the reaction, the Issho Mochi is a great success .

From my experience of watching over thousands of parent-child pairs for 30 years,

We'll provide you with a complete guide to turning mom's anxiety into peace of mind.

By the time you finish reading,

"I want to make it the best day ever, filled with love for my child."

You should be filled with this feeling.

The hidden love behind the 1.8kg weight of a 1-sho rice cake

Why is it so heavy? The heartfelt wishes of parents put into "life" and "one sho"

"Why give such a heavy rice cake to a one-year-old baby?"

This is a question that mothers always have when they learn about issho mochi for the first time.

In fact, it is this weight that embodies the earnest wishes of parents in the past .

The "Issho" in Issho-mochi comes from

A unit of rice measurement equivalent to approximately 1.8 kg.

But the real reason is that it sounds like a pun on the word "issho" (lifetime).

"So that you will never be short of food for the rest of your life"

"I want you to be healthy for the rest of your life"

Such deep parental love,

This was entrusted to rice cakes that had been intentionally made heavy.

In the past, babies could even live to be one year old.

It was a difficult time.

That's why on your first birthday

"Thank you for growing up so much."

With gratitude,

"I want her to continue growing up healthy."

It was a special day filled with prayers.

Watching my child carrying a heavy load of rice cakes,

Moms and dads can also experience their child's growth together.

That is the true meaning of Issho Mochi.

The wonder of success even if you can't stand up or cry

Falling will ward off bad luck, sitting will bring you succession? All these are auspicious secrets

"My child must be too heavy to stand up..."

"Is it bad luck if I cry?"

Good news for moms who are worried about this.

No matter what the reaction, the Issho Mochi is a great success !

In fact, since ancient times, Issho mochi has

There's a wonderful saying like this.

・I was able to stand and walk → "I can stand on my own two feet (be independent)"

・Sitting down → "He will take over the family business"

・Falling down → "I was able to get rid of bad luck"

Yes, every reaction has an auspicious meaning.

Why does it work this way?

The reason is simple.

Parents of the past, just like moms of today,

It was because I was worried about my child .

A one-year-old child can stand with 1.8 kg of rice cakes on his back.

There are almost none.

That's why, whatever the outcome

So that it can be perceived as a positive thing

It was devised.

It's not the result that matters,

"The feeling of joy as a family watching our child grow."

My crying child and my struggling child,

All are adorable moments.

This feeling is the true value of a one-sho rice cake.

A complete guide to making Issho mochi, even for beginners

A step-by-step guide to wrapping a furoshiki and putting it on your back without making any mistakes

"How exactly do you make a one-sho mochi?"

First-time moms are often unsure of the steps and feel anxious.

But it's okay.

It's very easy .

[Things to prepare]

・Isshomochi (approx. 1.8kg)

・Furoshiki or baby backpack

・Camera (I want to capture this moment!)

[How to wrap a furoshiki]

1. Unfold the furoshiki and place the rice cake in the center.

2. Lift the diagonal corner and wrap the mochi.

3. Use the remaining corner to wrap the candy in a knot.

[Tips on how to put it on your back]

The basic rule is to wear it diagonally across your body to avoid tightening around your neck.

Pass it over one shoulder and across the other side.

You may think, "It's too heavy, I feel sorry for him..."

It's actually a good stimulus for the baby.

By feeling the weight,

It helps develop balance and muscle strength.

[Schedule for the day]

1. Create a festive atmosphere for the whole family

2. Put the rice cake on the child's back (photo time)

3. Be patient and watch your baby's reactions

4. Celebrate success with a round of applause

It takes about 5 to 10 minutes.

Finish before your baby gets tired.

What's most important is,

"The whole family is smiling."

If mom and dad are relaxed,

Babies can also try it with peace of mind.

Where can I buy a one-sho rice cake for my child?

Personalization options, price ranges, and how to choose between Japanese sweets shops and online stores

"I want a rice cake with my child's name on it, but where can I buy one?"

We will solve the problems of such mothers.

[Purchase location and market price]

・Japanese sweets shop: 3,000-5,000 yen (advance order required)

・Online shopping: 2,500 to 6,000 yen (wide range of set products)

・Rice shop: 2,800 to 4,500 yen (locally-based)

Name engraving services are available at most stores.

It is common to have it written in red.

But actually, it's better not to include your name.

There are some craftsmen who are particular about their work.

"We want to cherish the natural beauty of white mochi"

"I don't want to use synthetic colorings."

With this in mind, we offer it plain.

There are also long-established stores.

[Advantages of online shopping]

・Backpack and selection cards included

・Small-portion type also available

・Easy ordering even for busy moms

[Advantages of a Japanese confectionery shop]

・Handmade by artisans with emphasis on quality

・Be able to cherish local traditions

・Decisions can be made through consultation

Please place your order at least one week in advance .

There are many celebrations especially on weekends,

It's best to make your reservation early.

It's not the price that matters,

"Whether I can put love into my child."

If the rice cakes are carefully selected by mom,

No matter where you buy it, it will be the best one-sho rice cake.

A new celebration in small, heart-shaped, 1 sho rice bowls

A modern twist with easy-to-eat ideas and a cute design

"I wonder if I can finish 2kg of rice cakes..."

It was from this concern that

A modern take on one-sho rice cakes .

[The appeal of the small-portion type]

15 to 20 small rice cakes, each weighing about 60g

Easy to share with relatives and friends

- Can be enjoyed for a long time by storing in the freezer

In fact, there is a deeper reason for portioning.

While watching the baby,

You can adjust the amount of rice cake .

Some children will cry if they only get one.

Some kids are fine with 5 or 6 pieces.

Being able to adapt to my child's pace

It's a very kind idea.

[Heart-shaped rice cake]

A cute design that looks great on social media.

It can also convey the feeling of being "full of love."

[The option of 1 sho rice]

This method uses one sho of rice instead of rice cakes.

It can also be eaten by babies in the weaning stage.

For mothers worried that "mochi is dangerous for children under 3 years old"

One sho of rice is recommended.

You can consume it little by little at your daily meals,

"You'll never have to worry about food for the rest of your life"

You can feel your wishes more clearly.

While valuing tradition,

Adapted to suit modern life.

That is the "form of love."

Backpack vs Furoshiki: Which would you choose?

Tradition or Practicality? A Thorough Comparison of Carrying Ease and Benefits

"Furoshiki is traditional, but a backpack is cuter..."

This is a point that many moms worry about.

In fact, either choice is correct .

[Benefits of Furoshiki]

・Old-fashioned orthodox style

・The round silhouette of the mochi is beautiful

・Grandpa and grandma can rest assured

・Once you learn how to wrap it, you can use it for the rest of your life

[Disadvantages of furoshiki]

・It takes a little skill to wrap it

The weight tends to be concentrated on the shoulders

- Slippery materials are dangerous

[Benefits of baby backpacks]

Easy to carry and highly safe

・Can be used for everyday use even after the celebration

・Photogenic cuteness

・Name embroidery adds a special touch

[Disadvantages of baby backpacks]

・Some sizes are too small to fit a 1-sho rice cake.

・Not enough for those who value tradition

The zipper may break

The key to choosing is to consider your own values .

If you want to cherish tradition, try furoshiki.

If you value practicality and cuteness, then a backpack is the way to go.

But the most important thing is,

"Baby is safe and comfortable."

Wide shoulder straps,

If you choose one with an adjustable belt,

Either way is safe.

In celebration of my child's first birthday,

The difference in shape doesn't matter.

The method my mother chose

It's the best for our home .

The big differences in the size of Issho mochi rice cakes across the 47 prefectures

It has a variety of names, from the korobase mochi of Tohoku to the tumble mochi of Kyushu.

"My grandma says, 'In my area, they let you step on them,'"

The way it's done varies greatly depending on the region.

[Tohoku region]

They are called "Korobase mochi" and "Tattara mochi",

There are many areas where people can intentionally fall over.

It's a parental instinct to make sure their child doesn't leave home too early.

[Kanto region]

"Hicchoi Mochi" and "Bussuwari Mochi"

There are lots of unique names.

The basic idea is to have them carry it on their back and walk.

[Kansai region]

In fact, the custom of eating one-sho rice cakes is not common in this region.

Recently, it has become popular due to the influence of social media.

[Kyushu region]

They put sandals on the rice cakes to make them "fumimochi" (rice cakes to be stepped on),

In many regions, it is placed on top of rice cakes.

The wish to "keep your feet firmly on the ground."

[Okinawa]

There is no "Isshomochi" (rice cake), but "Tanker UA"

A celebration centered around choice.

But don't worry.

"Every method is correct."

What's important is not to preserve local traditions,

Choose a method that everyone in the family can agree on .

Listening to the opinions of my grandparents,

All you have to do is create a celebration that is unique to your home.

Whether you make me carry it or step on it,

My love for my child remains unchanged.

Enjoy the differences between regions

Make it a special day just for your child .

Have fun predicting your child's future by choosing

Exciting production methods using everything from abacuses and brushes to modern items

Along with the one-sho rice cake, you can also enjoy "selection."

What a baby picks up tells the future

It's a cute and exciting event.

[Traditional items]

・Abacus → Blessed with business acumen

・Brush → Become a scholar or artist

・Money → No money worries

・Chopsticks → No need to worry about food

[Modern items]

・Smartphone → Success in IT

・Stethoscope → Become a doctor

・Ball → Athlete

・Instrument → Musician

But actually, from what I chose

It's important that the whole family has fun .

Babies simply reach for things that interest them.

When I saw it, I thought, "Maybe this will be my future!"

I enjoy the time spent imagining.

[Tips for choosing]

- Line up about 1 metre away from the baby

Colorful and interesting items

・Choose only things that are safe to touch

・Card type makes preparation easy

A baby tired from eating a one-sho rice cake

It is also effective in "improving your mood ."

Curious about new toys

It often helps stop the crying.

There are more opportunities for photography,

Your memories will be richer.

"What will my child choose?"

With such an exciting feeling,

It's a moment that strengthens the bonds between family members .

What to do when your baby won't stand up

Why sitting down, falling, and crying all have meaning

"It was so heavy I couldn't stand it up and started crying...I wonder if it was a mistake?"

There's absolutely no need to worry!

In fact, babies who can't stand up

The reality is that it is overwhelmingly the case .

1.8kg is heavy even for an adult.

This is equivalent to approximately 15% of a one-year-old baby's weight.

[When sitting down]

"A child who cares for the home" "A reliable child"

This has an auspicious meaning.

It's actually a good thing!

[When you fall]

I think I have been able to get rid of bad luck.

It will keep disaster away from now on.

It is said to have a protective effect.

[When I cried a lot]

It was warmly welcomed as a sign of good health.

It is also said that crying wards off evil spirits.

[Correct way to watch over children]

・Preparation to gently support from behind

- Cushions around to prevent falls

Don't try to force it to stand

・Respect your baby's pace

It's not the result that matters,

"Seeing my child working hard"

To watch over lovingly.

At that moment, Mom and Dad's hearts

"I want to protect this child"

There must be a lot of deep love.

That is the true meaning of Issho Mochi.

Whether you stand it or not,

My child is my child.

It doesn't change how much I love you.

Real experiences of experienced moms and tips to avoid mistakes

Learn the secrets to success and advance preparation from inspiring stories

"I want to hear from moms who have actually tried it!"

We will bring you real-life experiences for those of you who are like that.

[Moving story: Mama A]

"My daughter sat down because it was too heavy. But she tried her best to hold the rice cake.

The whole family burst into tears as they watched him try to drag his child along.

I really felt that this child was doing his best."

[Learning from Failure: Mama B]

"My backpack is too small and I can't fit a 1 sho rice cake in it, so I panicked!

It is absolutely necessary to check the size in advance.

[The secret to success: Mama C]

"We aimed for the time after a nap when they were in a good mood.

If I'm sleepy I'll definitely cry,

I think timing is the most important thing."

[Key points for advance preparation]

・Orders for one-sho rice cakes must be made at least one week in advance

・Check the size of your backpack (diameter 20cm or more)

- Check camera charging and available memory space

- Know when your baby is in a good mood

[How to prepare for the day]

The most important thing is not to strive for perfection.

Babies don't move as expected.

But that unexpected reaction

It will become a treasure for life .

The experienced mothers all say,

"Feeling is more important than preparation."

If the whole family is watching over you with a smile,

Whatever the outcome, it will be a wonderful memory.

If you have "love for your child,"

That alone is a great success.

30 common questions about Isshomochi completely answered

When? Who? What if he walks before he turns one? What about the leftover rice cakes?

Q1: What if my child starts walking before the age of one?

A: The basic rule is to do it on the first birthday.

Let's wait until your birthday.

Q2: Does it have to be on the day of your birthday?

A: The weekend before or after is fine. A day when the family can get together.

Please give it priority.

Q3: Who prepares the one-sho rice cake?

A: There are no particular rules. Parents, grandparents,

Anyone can prepare it.

Q4: What should I do if I have 2kg of leftover rice cakes?

A: It can be stored in the freezer for about 3 months.

You can enjoy it little by little with oshiruko.

Q5: What if I have twins?

A: Either prepare one for each person, or use a large 1-sho rice cake.

You can share it between two people.

Q6: What if I have allergies?

A: There are alternatives such as a 1 sho (18 liters) of rice or a 1 sho (18 liters) of bread.

The feeling is what's important, so there's no need to worry about the form.

Q7: What are some tips for taking photos?

A: Taken in continuous shooting mode. The baby's expression is

It can change in an instant, so take lots of pictures.

Q8: What should I do if the crying won't stop?

A: Don't push yourself too hard and take a break. Once you feel better,

Try again or switch to pick-and-choose.

It's natural to have doubts and concerns.

But as long as there's love, it's okay .

From detailed rules,

The most important thing is to care about your child.

How to use 2kg of mochi to eat it all deliciously

Ideas for families to enjoy, from ozoni and zenzai to souvenirs

"I wonder if I can finish this rice cake and enjoy it?"

Here are some ideas to help you solve these concerns.

[Recipes you can enjoy right away]

・Ozoni → Family gathering in the New Year's mood

・Zenzai → Sweet and children will love it

・ Yakimochi → Simple and delicious

・Mochi pizza → Fresh with a Western twist

[Tips for freezing]

Divide into portions, wrap in plastic wrap and put in the freezer.

It's convenient because you can take out only the amount you need.

[How to keep it as a keepsake]

・Cut into small pieces and make dried mochi

- Record in the album along with the photo

・Keep some frozen as a keepsake

But in fact, the true value of a one-sho rice cake is

"It's more about the experience than the food."

The weight that my child has carried with all his might,

The time spent watching with the whole family,

The loveliness of that moment.

It is those memories that

It is a treasure that will last a lifetime .

While eating rice cakes,

"That's how it was back then"

The family reminisces.

Such a time will surely

It will strengthen the bonds between family members .

My child's 1st birthday.

The day spent with Issho Mochi,

Wishing you a special anniversary filled with love .