Toshikoshi soba is a tradition in Japan on New Year's Eve. Its origin goes back to the Edo period and has an interesting history.
One strong theory is that it started as "Miso-ka soba," eaten at the end of the month in Edo merchant houses. For busy merchants, soba was easy to eat and had good nutrition.
Another theory is that soba was eaten to cut off bad luck during Setsubun, which was close to New Year's Eve in the old calendar. This custom became popular.
Soba is long and thin, symbolizing a long life. It is also easy to cut, representing cutting off bad things.
In the Edo period, soba was thought to prevent beriberi, so it was loved by common people.
Today, Toshikoshi soba is still loved on New Year's Eve. It represents Japanese food culture with over 400 years of history.