"Braving winter cold, dozens of people joined the chilling Kanchu Misogi or Winter Purification Ceremony on Saturday morning at Kanda Myojin Shrine in Tokyo to pray for health in the new year. Footage shows event participants in traditional loincloths splashing icy waters over themselves from buckets while standing in a specially set pond. Before dousing, they did warm-up exercises and jogging rounds around the shrine. "I participated so that I could feel refreshed for the year ahead. I received water in hopes of world peace, peace and prosperity in my local area. It feels like another year has started," one of the participants commented. "It was really cold. But the energy of everyone and the cheers of the audience were so great, and I was able to welcome the event with a truly refreshing feeling," another participant added. The ritual is believed to purify the body and mind, with participants plunging into icy water in a symbolic act intended to strengthen discipline and resolve for the year ahead. Kanchu Misogi is an annual Shinto ritual performed across Japan in mid-January to ward off evil spirits through purification."