- Nursery school children in northern Japan made traditional rice cakes called kagami mochi.
- The children learned that kagami mochi are offerings to Shinto deities for good health and harvests.
- The children will display their homemade kagami mochi at home for the New Year celebrations.

A: Hey! Did you hear something cute on the news?
B: No, what’s up?
A: Nursery school kids in Aomori are making mochi!
B: Really? That's so sweet! Kagami mochi, right?
A: Yep! They’re making the special New Year’s rice cakes.
B: Oh, that’s for the Shinto gods! They’re like, offering them.
A: Exactly! They’re hoping for good health and a good harvest.
B: Wow, they’re using the old-fashioned way to pound the rice!
A: I know! The older ones helped the little ones.
B: It’s probably hard work!
A: They said it was tricky, but also fun!
B: Aww, they’re gonna put them on display at home.
A: One little boy said he hopes 2026 will be awesome!
B: That’s so adorable! Happy New Year to them!