OTSU -- A ritual offering of a kagami-mochi New Year rice cake was presented at Ishiyamadera temple in Otsu on Sunday.
A 45-centimeter-tall, five-tiered tower of mochi was constructed by carefully alternating the placement of 25 disc-shaped mochi and 20 mikan oranges. The tower was finished off with auspicious objects, including dried persimmons and kelp.
Traditionally, the temple's kagami-mochi takes the shape of a pagoda for the Buddha's remains to rest in peace. This is offered to the temple's principal object of worship, the Nyoirin Kannon Bosatsu.
"I suppose many people were troubled in the past year because of a series of disasters and other problems," said Henryu Washio, the head priest of the temple. "We'd like to pray to Kannon Bosatsu for a peaceful New Year."
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