JP New Year noodle tradition

Eating the noodles while wishing for longevity and happiness is a Japanese tradition on the final day of the year. One soba restaurant in Morioka City in the northeastern prefecture of Iwate has a history of more than 140 years. It prepared about 6,000 servings using flour from elsewhere in the prefecture.

Diners occupied all the tables immediately after the restaurant opened for the day. The customers enjoyed the soba, wishing to lead a healthy and peaceful life in 2026.