Kagami Biraki (鏡開き) is a Japanese traditional ceremony which literally translates to "Opening the Mirror" (from an abstinence) or, also, "Breaking of the Mochi." It traditionally falls on January 11 (odd numbers are associated with being good luck in Japan) It refers to the opening of a Kagami mochi, or to the opening of a cask of Sake at a party or ceremony.
The fourth Tokugawa Shogun was the first to hold this ceremony 300 years ago. On the eve of war, he gathered his daimyo in his castle to break open a sake cask. Upon achieving victory, a new tradition was born.
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