One of the best-known forms of Kagami Biraki is celebrated in Japan in early January, usually on January 11.

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During the New Year celebrations, families traditionally place kagami mochi (two round rice cakes stacked on top of each other) in a special area of the home as an offering to the gods.

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The rice cakes are broken into smaller pieces and eaten, often as part of a warm dish. The tradition represents receiving the blessings and strength of the gods while welcoming the new year with fresh energy, good fortune, and a positive outlook.

At traditional Japanese weddings, Kagami Biraki can be part of the celebration as a way to honor the couple’s new beginning and wish them happiness and harmony in their marriage.

The couple, sometimes joined by family members or guests, uses wooden mallets to open the lid of a sake barrel. The sake is then poured and shared with everyone attending.

The ceremony represents opening the door to a joyful future and sharing good fortune with loved ones.

Kagami Biraki is also used by businesses and organizations to mark important occasions, such as grand openings, anniversaries, and New Year celebrations. During the ceremony, a sake barrel is opened with wooden mallets as a symbolic way of welcoming prosperity, success, and good fortune.
The tradition can be found across a variety of settings, including hospitality, retail, corporate events, and even sumo tournaments. It offers a festive way to celebrate milestones while bringing people together.