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December 31st in Japan is known as Ōmisoka (大晦日), which is the final day of the year and is not a national holiday but a bank holiday. While it's not an official non-working day for all workers, banks and government offices are typically closed, allowing employees to prepare for New Year's festivities.
The history of Ōmisoka dates back to the Japanese lunar calendar when New Year's Eve was considered an important time to welcome the kami (deities) of the incoming year. This day serves as a conclusion to the old year and a preparation for the upcoming new year.
Traditionally, people engage in "ōsōji," a big cleaning of their homes, symbolically sweeping away the dust and problems of the past year to purify their environment for the New Year. Another custom is eating toshikoshi soba or udon, noodles that represent longevity and crossing over from one year to the next.
On this day, many people visit temples or shrines for "Joya no Kane," where temple bells are rung 108 times at midnight to dispel the 108 worldly desires believed in Buddhist belief. Families may also gather together at home watching special TV programs like "Kōhaku Uta Gassen," an annual music show featuring popular performers.
People also prepare for "Hatsumōde," which is the first shrine visit of the new year. Preparations include cooking "osechi-ryori," traditional New Year dishes that will be eaten during the first days of January.
