Joyanokane: The Spiritual Resonance of Japan’s New Year
As the final seconds of the year tick away, major cities around the world erupt in fireworks and champagne toasts. However, in Japan, the atmosphere is markedly different. The air is crisp and cold, filled not with the sound of explosions, but with the deep, reverberating boom of bronze bells. This is Joyanokane (除夜の鐘), the ritual ringing of temple bells on New Year’s Eve, a tradition that invites introspection rather than intoxication.
For travelers seeking to understand the spiritual heart of Japan, participating in or witnessing Joyanokane is a profound experience. It is a moment where the slate is wiped clean, and the spiritual burden of the past year is dissolved into the winter night.
The Origins of the Night of Removal
The term Joyanokane is derived from Joya (除夜), meaning “New Year’s Eve,” and Kane (鐘), meaning “bell.” The character Jo (除) implies removal or exclusion, signifying the casting away of the old year to welcome the new one.
While Shinto traditions like Hatsumode (the first shrine visit) dominate New Year’s Day, New Year’s Eve is largely the domain of Buddhism. The custom of ringing bells was introduced to Japan from China, likely during the Kamakura period (1185–1333), influenced by the practices of the Song Dynasty. Over centuries, it evolved from a monastic signal of time into a nationwide spiritual purification ritual involving the general public.
Traditionally, the bell is struck 108 times. The timing is precise: 107 strikes are rung before midnight, while the final, 108th strike occurs exactly as the New Year begins. This bridge between the years symbolizes the continuity of life and the renewal of the spirit.
The Legend of the 108 Desires
Why 108? In Buddhist philosophy, this number represents the Bonno (kleshas), or worldly desires and passions that torment the human mind and bind the soul to the cycle of suffering. These include anxieties, obsessions, anger, jealousy, and lust.
There are several mathematical explanations for how the number 108 is derived in Buddhist numerology:
- The Sensory Calculation: It is said that we have six senses (sight, sound, smell, taste, touch, and consciousness). Each sense can be experienced in three ways (pleasant, unpleasant, or neutral), totaling 18. Each of these can be attached to purity or impurity (18 x 2 = 36). Finally, these exist across three timelines: the past, the present, and the future. Thus, 36 x 3 equals 108.
- The Calendar Cycle: Another theory suggests the number reflects the yearly cycle: 12 months, 24 solar terms (Sekki), and 72 micro-seasons (Ko), which sum up to 108, representing the flow of time itself.
With each strike of the bell, it is believed that one of these 108 desires is banished, cleansing the listener’s heart and preparing them to face the coming year with a pure mind.
Modern Culture: Soba and Silence
In modern Japan, Joyanokane is the climax of a quiet evening spent with family. Before heading to the temple, families gather to eat Toshikoshi Soba (year-crossing noodles), long buckwheat noodles that symbolize longevity and the cutting off of the year’s hardships.
While millions watch the ritual on television via the NHK annual broadcast Yuku Toshi Kuru Toshi (Year Coming, Year Going), many brave the cold to visit local temples. The atmosphere is solemn but communal. At famous temples like Chion-in in Kyoto, the bell is so massive—weighing 70 tons—that it requires a team of 17 monks to ring it. Using a rhythmic chant, they pull the swinging wooden beam back and release it with their entire body weight, creating a sound that can be felt in the chest as much as heard.
Traveler’s Tips for Joyanokane
If you find yourself in Japan on December 31st, attending a Joyanokane ceremony is highly recommended. However, it requires some planning:
1. Choose Your Temple Wisely
Shinto Shrines do not have the large bells; you must go to a Buddhist Temple. Famous spots include:
- Zojoji Temple (Tokyo): Located near Tokyo Tower, offering a stunning mix of old and new.
- Todaiji (Nara): Home to one of the famous “Big Bells” of Japan.
- Chion-in (Kyoto): Spectacular acrobatic ringing techniques.
2. The Opportunity to Ring the Bell
At smaller, local temples, visitors are often allowed to ring the bell themselves. This usually requires a numbered ticket (seiriken). If you want to ring the bell, arrive early (often by 10:00 PM or earlier) to secure a ticket. At major tourist temples, usually only the monks ring the bell due to the crowds.
3. Dress for the Cold
Japanese temples are open-air structures. You will be standing still for a long time in freezing temperatures. Wear thermal layers, gloves, and bring kairo (heat packs).
Sources & Further Reading
To deepen your understanding of the spiritual landscape of Japan, the following texts and concepts are essential:
- The Heart Sutra: Essential for understanding the Buddhist concept of “emptiness” which relates to the purging of desires.
- Nihon Shoki (The Chronicles of Japan): While primarily a historical record and Shinto text, it (along with the Kojiki) establishes the foundational calendar systems and the syncretic nature of Japanese spirituality where Shinto and Buddhism eventually coalesced.
- Genji Monogatari (The Tale of Genji): Offers insight into the Heian period court life where early forms of Buddhist rituals began to permeate Japanese aristocracy.
The Joyanokane is more than just a sound; it is a vibration that connects the modern traveler to centuries of history, offering a rare moment of peace in a chaotic world.