"Try our mochi," calls out Nao Sakai at a Tokyo market as she sells rice and "mochi" that was made at her family's shop in Yamagata Prefecture, a three-hour travel by high-speed rail north from Tokyo.Mochi, or glutinous rice cake, is a popular Japanese treat especially during the New Year, and it holds a special place in Japanese hearts. Mochi can be eaten in different ways but it is traditionally eaten as "ozoni" in a clear soup, and considered the most auspicious dish eaten on New Year's Day.November and December are the peak season for selling it, says Sakai. She sells two types: The rou…READ FULL ARTICLE