Okinawa residents pour freshly steamed rice into a mortar to make soft rice cakes, known as mochi Jan. 8 at Shioya Sub-village Hall in Uruma City, Okinawa, Japan. A mortar is a traditional device used to prepare ingredients or substances by crushing and grinding them into a fine paste or powder. Mochi is a treat made of steamed rice pounded down into a paste, which is hand-rolled with brown sugar. These cultural exchanges help service members and Okinawa residents alike strengthen the bond between them through mutual understanding.

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