First Birthday | What is Isshomochi? How do you read it? Why do we do it? | Is it auspicious?
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Is it good luck or bad luck to fall over while eating a one-sho rice cake?
It's your 1st birthday, so have fun
"It would be a shame if he fell over while eating a rice cake on his first birthday..."
"Is it bad luck to cry?"
I can really understand the worries of such a kind mother.
First birthday of a year old.
Because it is a celebration full of love for our child,
It is natural that there will be some uncertainty in each decision.
-Is it really good luck to fall over while eating a one-sho rice cake?
・Isn't it too heavy and a shame for the baby?
・What should I do if my child starts crying?
I heard a story from my grandfather, a Japanese confectioner who has helped thousands of parent-child pairs make one-sho rice cakes for 30 years.
We offer practical advice tailored to modern parenting.
"Even if you fall or cry, it's all a precious sign of growth."
We hope you can celebrate your child's first birthday with such warm feelings.
Let's solve mom's worries one by one.
What is Issho Mochi? How do you read it?
When and why do you do it?
To moms who don't know about their first birth
A simple explanation of the basics of celebrating a baby's first birthday
"How do you read 'Isshomochi'?"
Many moms will be hearing about it for the first time.
Issho mochi is read as "Issho mochi",
This is a traditional Japanese celebration held on a baby's first birthday.
Why do we give mochi to one-year-olds?
In fact, the pronunciation of "issho" and "issho" is the same,
It is filled with the wish that the child will never have to worry about food for the rest of their life .
Also, because mochi is sticky,
It also means "to be able to live tenaciously."
In the past, medical care was not well developed,
It was truly a joy to see him grow up healthy until he was one year old.
That's why we celebrate the milestone of one year old with care.
The whole family prayed for his continued healthy growth.
Even today, the desire for a baby's health and happiness remains the same .
I'm grateful that my child has grown up healthily for a year.
It expresses the love of parents who want their children to continue growing healthily.
It is a very meaningful event.
Is it good luck or bad luck to fall over while eating a one-sho rice cake?
To the mom who finds it hard to see her child crying
Actually the best way to get rid of bad luck
"Wouldn't it be bad luck if I fell?"
This is a concern that many mothers have.
But don't worry.
Falling over a one-sho rice cake is actually a very auspicious event .
Since ancient times, the act of "falling" has
It has been interpreted as meaning "to ward off misfortune."
In other words, if a baby falls over while eating a rice cake,
It will prevent future disasters and difficulties in advance.
It is considered a very significant event.
Also, falling means
"I won't be going far from home from now on and I'll be close to my family."
It also means...
In the past, children often went to work far away,
It was not uncommon for them to be separated from their families.
That's why I don't want to fall and get stuck.
They were happy because they saw it as proof of strong family ties .
In modern interpretation,
By falling, your baby will show you how hard they are trying.
That in itself is proof of growth.
Even if I cry or fall,
It's proof that my child is living life to the fullest.
That adorable figure,
Please watch over them with a warm heart.
Is 1.8kg too heavy for a one-year-old baby?
The concern of a kind mother who feels sorry for her child
Medical evidence that gives you peace of mind
"Isn't 1.8kg a pity?"
It's a natural concern for any loving mother.
In fact, the weight of a one-sho rice cake is about 1.8 kg.
This is equivalent to about one-fifth of the weight of a one-year-old child .
This is analogous to an adult:
This is the same ratio as a 60kg person carrying a 12kg object.
You may be thinking, "Isn't that still too heavy?"
In fact, babies have surprisingly strong muscles .
Babies around 1 year old
Supporting your own weight and standing up
The time when a child transitions from standing up to walking.
The muscles in the lower body are more developed than adults realize.
Also, the person carrying the rice cake is
Just for a few minutes .
It won't be a burden for a long time,
It is not harmful to the baby's body.
Rather, this moderate load,
Some experts say it also promotes balance and core development .
Of course, your baby's health and mood should always come first.
Don't overdo it, but
Rather than feeling sorry for them,
Watching over your child with a warm heart, wanting to support them as they try their best ,
I'm sure it will be passed on to the baby too.
Why issho mochi made differently in Kanto and Kyushu?
Carrying rice cakes on one's back vs. stepping on rice cakes
How to resolve disagreements between your spouse and your parents
"Well, at my parents' house we do the rice cake stomping,
My in-laws say they'll carry it..."
Have you ever had such a frustrating experience?
In fact, there are different types of Issho mochi depending on the region.
There is a completely different way .
In the Kanto region, it is mainly called "seoi mochi."
Put a 1-sho rice cake in a furoshiki or backpack,
How to put a baby on your back.
On the other hand, in the Kyushu region, "mochi stomping" is the norm.
For a baby wearing sandals,
This method involves having the person stand on a one-sho rice cake.
Why did this difference occur?
In fact, they reflect the lifestyles and values of each region.
The "seoi mochi" of the Kanto region is
The wish is for the child to grow up to be strong enough to carry the burdens of life .
Kyushu's "Mochi-fumiki"
It is filled with the wish that the child will have firm roots in the earth .
Both of them wish their children happiness.
It's a wonderful tradition.
If there are disagreements within the family,
How about trying both ?
If there are photos of both the rice cake carrying and the rice cake stepping,
It will make for richer memories.
Which is better, a furoshiki or a backpack?
The reason why 80% of moms in 2024 choose backpacks
Compromise with grandparents
"Traditionally, it's a furoshiki,
A backpack seems more baby-friendly..."
This is a concern for modern moms.
In fact, in a 2024 survey,
About 80% of moms choose backpacks .
Let's take a look at why.
The advantages of a backpack are
The weight is distributed, reducing the burden on the baby .
The shoulder cushioning is good,
It is characterized by its difficulty in biting.
Also, since I'm used to carrying it on my back,
The baby is also less likely to feel uncomfortable.
On the other hand, furoshiki is a beautiful Japanese tradition .
It looks great in photos,
It creates a dignified atmosphere.
The grandparents' generation tended to like furoshiki.
Making a proper impression is important.
The solution is:
We recommend using a furoshiki for commemorative photos and a backpack for the actual ceremony .
First, we took a beautiful commemorative photo with a furoshiki.
Then we put it in a backpack and have them actually walk around.
This will help preserve tradition,
It also reduces the burden on the baby.
What's important is,
The feeling of everyone rejoicing together as they watch their child grow.
Don't get too hung up on the shape,
Choose a way that will make the whole family smile.
What should you do if your baby starts crying loudly after eating a one-sho rice cake?
For moms who find it hard to listen to crying
Three emergency measures
"What if she starts crying..."
It's a natural concern for any loving mother.
But did you know that crying is actually considered to be auspicious ?
As the old saying goes, "Crying children grow up."
A healthy cry is a sign of good health.
However, it's painful to hear the crying.
We will teach you what to do in such a situation.
[Solution 1: Hold your baby immediately and reassure him/her]
If the baby starts crying, immediately put the rice cake down and pick him up.
Gently say to them, "You did a great job, you're amazing."
Solution 2: Get their attention with their favorite toy
Prepare your baby's favorite toys in advance.
Things that make noise or light up are effective.
Solution 3: Sing a song to change the mood
Everyone sings "Happy Birthday"
Let's get into the festive mood.
What's important is,
Don't push yourself too hard .
Even if I cry or fall,
It's proof that my child is living his life to the fullest.
We watch over them with warmth,
Praising them by saying "You did a great job"
It is the greatest expression of love.
What to do when you can't finish a 1-sho rice cake
It's impossible to eat the entire 2kg!
How to use the small portioned type and freeze it
"How do you eat 2kg of rice cakes?"
This is the biggest concern for mothers.
Indeed, one sho of rice cake weighs about 2kg.
It's a lot for a family of four to eat.
But don't worry.
Nowadays, there are many innovations to make food easier to eat .
Recently, the "portioned type" has become popular.
One sho of rice is divided into 20 to 30 small rice cakes.
It's very convenient because you can use as much as you want.
Also, items with names on them are popular.
You can add your baby's name,
It is also valuable as a souvenir.
The basic rule is to freeze any food you can't eat.
Wrap each one in plastic wrap and place in the freezer.
It can be stored for about 6 months.
In my house, we have New Year's soup and
I consume it little by little as a snack.
You can also share it with your relatives and neighbors.
It will be a welcome gift as a share of good fortune .
What's important is,
Don't feel pressured to eat it all.
The most important thing is to celebrate your child's growth.
Enjoy it within your limits.
A mom's experience of failing to make a one-sho mochi
Five regrets I wish I had known sooner
How to avoid the same mistakes
"It was difficult because I wasn't prepared enough."
Hear the real voices of experienced mothers.
[Failure 1: The mochi was too hard to eat]
"I left it in the fridge for too long and it became as hard as a rock.
I should have brought it back to room temperature beforehand...
[Mistake 2: Baby is in the worst mood at the worst time]
"It overlapped with nap time, so he was fussy the whole time.
I should have considered the baby's daily routine."
[Mistake 3: My camera ran out of battery]
"It's a once in a lifetime moment, but my phone battery is dead.
It is essential to check the battery in advance.
[Mistake 4: I don't know how to tie a furoshiki]
"On the day, I panicked because I didn't know how to tie the furoshiki.
I should have practiced beforehand."
[Failure story 5: Family members have different opinions]
"My mother-in-law wears a furoshiki, my mother wears a backpack, and my husband is indifferent.
We should have discussed this beforehand and made a decision."
Tips for avoiding these mistakes:
"Preparation starts two weeks in advance."
Ordering rice cakes, arranging for photo shoots,
By discussing this with your family early,
On that day, you can truly enjoy watching your child grow.
How to predict your child's future by choosing
Brush, money, and ball
25 items and their meanings that will make you happy no matter what you choose
"What should I prepare to choose?"
One of the fun things is choosing your favorite rice cake along with the one-sho rice cake.
The selection process involves placing various items in front of the baby,
It is a traditional game in which your future is predicted by your choices .
[Standard item]
・Brush → scholars, writers, artists
・Money → businessmen and managers
・Rice → No food shortages
・Scissors → Dexterous ・Hairdresser
・Ball → Athlete
[Modern items]
・Smartphone → IT related
・Stethoscope → Doctor
・Mic → Celebrity
・Calculator → Accountant
・Instrument → Musician
But really, whatever you choose will be cute .
"My child chose shoes, so I'm sure he'll love traveling."
"I guess he's a bookworm because he chose a book."
Just by imagining it like that,
You will find yourself feeling adored.
What's important is,
It's not about the result , it's about having fun as a family .
"Whatever she chooses, it's her personality."
Please watch over them with such warm feelings.
I'm sure it will become a wonderful memory.
What to prepare for one-sho rice cakes, and by when?
Start two weeks in advance for busy moms
Staging and cutting techniques
What should I prepare for my baby's first birthday?
We will teach you how to plan for mothers who are busy raising children.
[2 weeks ago]
・Order a 1-sho rice cake (small portions recommended)
・Prepare a furoshiki or backpack
・Collect selected items
・Consult with family (unify procedures)
[1 week before]
- Check if the camera is charging
・Preparing the venue (ensuring a safe location)
・Baby health management
・Share the day's schedule with your family
[The day before]
・Receive a one-sho rice cake
・Bring the mochi back to room temperature
・Preparing costumes
・Early bedtime (to prevent baby from getting upset)
[Cut-off techniques]
You can get plenty of items to choose from at a 100 yen shop.
If it's not the real thing, you can use a toy instead.
You can wear your everyday clothes as well.
The best clothes are those that allow your baby to move around easily .
A family member's smartphone is sufficient for taking photos.
A professional photographer is not required.
What's most important is,
Don't strive for perfection .
Even if you're a little unprepared,
If you want to celebrate your child's first birthday with your family,
That alone would be a wonderful celebration.
Is it okay to use one sho of rice or one sho of bread instead of one sho of rice cake?
For families with allergies or who don't like mochi
A modern way to celebrate
"There are some family members who don't like mochi..."
"I'm worried about my wheat allergy"
Please rest assured that such families are also welcome.
Nowadays, there are many alternatives.
[One sho rice]
This method involves putting 1 sho (about 1.5 kg) of rice in a bag and having the child carry it on their back.
You can then consume it as regular rice,
No food is wasted.
[One sho bread]
Popular with bread-loving families.
A few loaves of bread weigh about one sho (approx. 1.8 liters).
It's also easy to freeze.
[Other ideas]
・One sho of water (bottled)
・One sho of red beans (to make red bean paste)
・One sho (1.8L) of oatmeal (for health-conscious families)
What's important is,
The weight of one sho and love for one's child .
Don't get too hung up on the shape,
Whatever works for your family is sufficient.
"While valuing tradition,
Adapted to suit modern life
That is the one-sho rice cake of the Reiwa era.
If your grandparents say, "It has to be mochi..."
Explain to them that your love will never change.
I'm sure they will understand.
The moment you fall and your crying face are all keepsakes
Tips for taking beautiful photos of Issho mochi
Camera settings that won't fail
"I want to keep this once-in-a-lifetime moment beautifully."
We will teach you some tips for taking photos that will make such mothers' wishes come true.
[Basic shooting settings]
- Bright place (windows is best)
- Continuous shooting mode ON
・Flash OFF (use natural light)
- Place the camera at the baby's eye level
[Scenes you want to capture]
・Smile before carrying the rice cake
・The surprised expression on his face when he put it on
・Struggling to walk
・The moment he falls (this is also cute!)
・Crying face (for a future laughing memory)
・The whole family watching
[Tips for taking beautiful photos]
Keep the background simple.
Make sure to tidy up any unnecessary items so they don't appear in the photo.
Don't miss your baby's facial expressions,
It is recommended that multiple people share the shooting duties .
Don't forget the video.
It can also record movements and sounds that cannot be captured in photographs.
But the most important thing is,
Don't get too carried away with the photoshoot .
Not through the camera,
Watch your child grow with your own eyes.
The emotion of that moment,
It will leave a deeper impression on your mind than any other photograph.
Let's enjoy our child's first birthday to the fullest.
Even if they fall or cry, it's all a lovely sign of their growth.
Issho mochi expresses deep love for one's child
It's a wonderful Japanese tradition.
Don't seek perfection,
Choose a way to make the whole family smile,
Have a memorable first birthday.
Surely, no matter how many years pass
"It was tough at the time, but it was fun."
And we can laugh together,
It will be an irreplaceable memory.