Our Southern Arizona Japanese Cultural Coalition is sponsoring its 7th New Year’s mochi pounding festival on Jan. 18, at the Tucson Chinese Cultural Center (2nd year there). The festival runs from 11 to 3 p.m. and here’s the performance schedule below, with information on the exhibitors and food vendors.

Ticket price is still the same, $5 adults, Free for children 5 years and under. Cash preferred.

Gift certificates from Japanese restaurant donors Sachiko Sushi, Sushi Cortaro on River, Takamatsu, Yoshimatsu, Sushi on Oracle, Sushi Cho will be given out during the festival, as door prizes. Will update if more gift certificates come in by Saturday. Ikkyu restaurant donated 100 lbs of sweet rice for the mochi pounding and tasting.

Parking is limited, so please carpool. Also Sun Shuttle #412 travels on River Rd. on Saturdays. Updates will be posted on our Facebook page, www.facebook.com/southernazjapan/

Enjoy the Year of the Rat 2020 at our festival. Year of the Rat t-shirts in color will be for sale (limited run of 100) for $20. Cash preferred, first come first served.