Braving the cold: Japan’s New Year’s rituals, in photos

A participant pours cold water over himself to purify his soul and pray for good health during a New Year's ritual at Kanda Myojin Shrine in Tokyo, Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026. (AP Photo/Louise Delmotte) Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.

By Louise Delmotte, The Associated Press

Posted Jan 11, 2026 06:15:42 AM.

Last Updated Jan 19, 2026 12:45:25 AM.

People gathered in Tokyo and Numazu to brave ice-cold water in purification rituals meant to pray for good health during the New Year.

This is a photo gallery curated by AP photo editors.

Louise Delmotte, The Associated Press

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