The Japanese New Year (正月, Shōgatsu) is celebrated on January 1, following the Gregorian calendar adopted in 1873. Traditional foods include osechi-ryōri, a variety of preserved dishes, and ozōni, a soup with mochi. On New Year’s Eve, people enjoy toshikoshi soba. Mochi is used to make kagami mochi, a decorative stack symbolizing good fortune.

At midnight on December 31, Buddhist temples ring their bells 108 times to signify the clearing of worldly desires. Another custom is sending nengajō, New Year cards with well wishes, to loved ones for delivery on January 1. These traditions emphasize family and renewal as the new year begins. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japanese_New_Year