Japanese Buddhist temples traditionally strike their bells 108 times on New Year’s Eve.
The ritual is called joyanokane, and it is performed as the old year gives way to the new one. The number 108 refers to the Buddhist idea that human beings experience 108 earthly desires or defilements. Each ringing is understood as helping people leave one of those sources of attachment behind.
Large temples may begin the ringing before midnight and finish around the turn of the year. Some temples allow visitors to participate, although popular sites can attract long queues. The sound of temple bells is also a familiar feature of Japanese New Year television and radio coverage.
The practice belongs to a wider Japanese New Year period called Shōgatsu, which includes visiting shrines or temples, sending greetings, eating special foods, and spending time with family. The 108 strokes should not be confused with the 12-month calendar or with the 108 beads often associated with Buddhist prayer.