A lot of Japanese customs and traditions at the beginning of the year! :)
At the middle of January, a festival of fire takes place in Japan, named Dondo Yaki ( どんどやき ).
The New Year Decorations I recently wrote about, together with the good luck charms used during the last year, are placed on a rack made of twigs and are set on fire. The burning symbolizes the breaking with the past and the desire to move forward, to progress.
I selected from YouTube several recordings from this festival:
On mobile, click on thumbnail for YouTube site/app
On mobile, click on thumbnail for YouTube site/app
Also, on this occasion, cooked mochi cakes are eaten, for good luck in the new year and protection against diseases.
On mobile, click on thumbnail for YouTube site/app