Ringing in the New Year

Bell ringing in Japan began first as a Buddhist tradition, where the earliest bells, known as Bonsho, and maintain certain features similar to Chinese Bells produced during 600 CE. Historically, such bells and their resonance are associated with connection to local spirits, known as Kami, and can be heard from the underworld. Also, Bonsho have become synonymous with many traditional Japanese folktales such as the Benkei Bell of Mii-Dera, and fictionally, such as the Hoko-ji.

As a part of the Japanese New Year, the Bonsho is rung 108 times, known as Joyanoke, which is said to rid listeners of the 108 Buddhist Sins. It is believed that the bells rid and purge sins of the previous year, and help to usher in a new year. On the 31st, it is common to ring the bell 107 times, and then once past midnight.