These Japanese men managed to keep their cool even while sitting in freezing cold water. Wearing just loincloths, Japanese Shinto believers headed to public parks and shrines to pray for a healthy new year as part of the annual New Year rituals. Participants were seen pouring icy water over themselves to purify their souls and bring good luck in the upcoming year. /CFP Photo

These Japanese men managed to keep their cool even while sitting in freezing cold water. Wearing just loincloths, Japanese Shinto believers headed to public parks and shrines to pray for a healthy new year as part of the annual New Year rituals. Participants were seen pouring icy water over themselves to purify their souls and bring good luck in the upcoming year. /CFP Photo

These Japanese men managed to keep their cool even while sitting in freezing cold water. Wearing just loincloths, Japanese Shinto believers headed to public parks and shrines to pray for a healthy new year as part of the annual New Year rituals. Participants were seen pouring icy water over themselves to purify their souls and bring good luck in the upcoming year. /CFP Photo

These Japanese men managed to keep their cool even while sitting in freezing cold water. Wearing just loincloths, Japanese Shinto believers headed to public parks and shrines to pray for a healthy new year as part of the annual New Year rituals. Participants were seen pouring icy water over themselves to purify their souls and bring good luck in the upcoming year. /CFP Photo