Ōmisoka is the Japanese name for New Year’s Eve, traditionally marked by temple bells.
Japanese Buddhist temples commonly perform joyanokane, the ringing of a bell 108 times on Ōmisoka. The number 108 represents the worldly desires or earthly temptations that, in Buddhist interpretation, cause human suffering. The final ringing is traditionally completed before the New Year begins, symbolizing purification and a fresh start.
Ōmisoka is also a time for household preparation. Families clean their homes, settle obligations, and prepare special foods before New Year’s Day. The holiday is distinct from Shōgatsu, the broader New Year period that begins on January 1 and continues through several early-January observances.
The term should not be confused with Setsubun, which is a seasonal festival held in early February, or Obon, a Buddhist period honoring ancestors. Ōmisoka specifically identifies December 31 in Japan.