Cook the rice in your rice cooker or to package instructions. I made 1 cups worth but you can make larger quantities for parties or your holiday gatherings.
When the rice is just cool enough to handle but still warm, transfer it to a bowl and mash lightly with a pestle or wooden spoon.
Form the lightly-pounded mochi rice into small balls.
Flatten a piece of sweet red bean paste in your palm then close around the rice ball OR roll in the kinako topping.
Top with sesame seeds or a single adzuki bean and serve!
Recipe by Cultivator Kitchen at http://cultivatorkitchen.com/quick-easy-ohagi-sweet-rice-balls/