In Japan's New Year's Eve tradition, what buckwheat noodles are eaten before midnight?

In Japan's New Year's Eve tradition, the buckwheat noodles eaten before midnight are called toshikoshi soba.

The name means “year-crossing soba,” making the dish specifically associated with the transition from one year to the next. Families commonly eat it on December 31, often in a simple hot broth with toppings such as green onion, tempura, or fish cake.

The custom has several traditional interpretations. The noodles’ long, thin shape can symbolize longevity, while their easy-to-cut texture is sometimes linked with leaving the hardships of the old year behind. Buckwheat is also regarded as a hardy plant, encouraging associations with resilience.

Toshikoshi soba is distinct from the noodles served at Japanese New Year’s Day celebrations, although regional recipes vary widely. There is no single compulsory topping or broth: local ingredients and family habits determine the final bowl. The practice is one of Japan’s best-known year-end food customs.