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Francis Motoda
mechanized
mochi making

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Star-Bulletin staff

Francis Y. Motoda, a retired mochi maker, died Jan. 17 in Kuakini Hospital. He was 87.

He was born in Honolulu, where he spent his entire life, said Catherine Tani, his daughter.

His mochi-making operation, Motoda Mochiya, was located first in Palama.

"It was his father's business originally," his daughter said. "Later on, it was his brother's business."

It was the first such operation here to use a mechanical mochi pounder, she said. The business moved from Palama to a site across from the old Civic Auditorium at King and Keeaumoku streets, she said.

Her father retired at age 61, she said.

Motoda also is survived by sons Michael and Steve, seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Services were private.