ON the midnight of 31 December, temples across Japan ring their bells 108 times to serenely welcome in the New Year 2025.
This tradition, known as Joya no Kane, symbolizes the purification of 108 worldly desires.
As they gather for New Year’s Eve, they enjoy Toshikoshi soba (buckwheat noodles) and wish for a long and healthy life – just like the length of the noodles!
