Kagami Biraki is a traditional ceremony observed in Japan every January 11. The term translates to “Opening the Mirror” or “Breaking the Mochi,” and it involves the opening of Kagami mochi, a New Year decoration made up of two round rice cakes and a bitter orange (daidai) placed on top. This ceremony dates back approximately 300 years to its introduction by the fourth Tokugawa Shogun, who initiated the practice by breaking open a sake cask with his feudal lords before going to war. During Kagami Biraki, round mochi is placed on household Shinto or Buddhist altars, and on the day of the ceremony, it is broken using hands or a hammer, as cutting with a knife is considered to have negative connotations. The broken mochi is then shared and eaten by all family members, symbolizing unity and good fortune. The ceremony is also performed at weddings, opening days of new companies, and sports events.