Japan traditionally eats soba noodles on New Year's Eve in a custom called Toshikoshi soba.
Toshikoshi soba means “year-crossing soba.” People commonly eat the buckwheat noodles on December 31, although exact serving times and regional recipes vary. The practice became associated with New Year's Eve during the Edo period, when soba was already an accessible and popular food.
The noodles are linked symbolically with longevity because of their long shape. Their tendency to break more easily than some other noodles is also interpreted as representing a clean break with the hardships of the old year. These meanings are cultural associations rather than strict religious rules.
Toppings differ across Japan and can include tempura, green onion, fish cake, or sweetened fried tofu. Toshikoshi soba should not be confused with osechi ryori, the assortment of foods traditionally prepared for New Year's Day.