Every February 3rd (well, usually), millions of Japanese people engage in what might seem like an odd ritual to outsiders: they throw roasted soybeans while shouting at demons. Welcome to Setsubun (節分), one of Japan's most beloved traditional festivals that marks the transition from winter to spring.
Let's dive into the history, customs, and surprising facts about this unique Japanese celebration.
What Is Setsubun?
Setsubun (節分) literally means "seasonal division" and traditionally marked the day before the beginning of each season. However, the term now specifically refers to the day before Risshun, the first day of spring in the traditional Japanese lunar calendar.
The festival's main purpose?
To drive away evil spirits and welcome good fortune for the coming year. Think of it as Japan's spiritual spring cleaning.
The History Behind the Bean-Throwing
Ancient Chinese Origins
Setsubun's roots trace back to ancient China, where similar rituals were performed to ward off evil spirits during seasonal transitions.
The practice arrived in Japan during the Heian period (794-1185), initially as a court ceremony called "Tsuina."
Evolution Through the Centuries
During the Muromachi period (1336-1573), the custom evolved into the mamemaki (bean-throwing) tradition we know today.
Why beans?
In Japanese, "mame" (beans) sounds similar to "ma wo mametsu," which means "destroy demons." The roasted soybeans were believed to have the power to purify and drive away evil spirits.
How Japanese People Celebrate Setsubun Today
The Bean-Throwing Ritual (Mamemaki)
The traditional celebration involves:
At Home:
The head of the household (or the family member born in that year's zodiac sign) throws roasted soybeans out the door or at a family member wearing an oni (demon) mask while shouting:
"Oni wa soto! Fuku wa uchi!"
("Demons out! Good fortune in!")
At Temples and Shrines:
Many Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines hold public mamemaki ceremonies, often featuring:
- Celebrities
- Sumo wrestlers
- Local dignitaries
These VIPs throw beans (and sometimes small gifts) to crowds of people hoping to catch some good luck!
Eating Lucky Beans
After the bean-throwing, it's customary to eat the number of beans corresponding to your age (plus one for the coming year) to bring good health and fortune.
For example:
- If you're 30 years old → eat 31 beans
- If you're 45 years old → eat 46 beans
This is believed to ensure good luck and health for the year ahead!
The Ehomaki Tradition
One of the most interesting Setsubun customs is eating ehomaki, an uncut sushi roll.
The tradition involves three specific rules:
- Eat the entire roll in complete silence (no talking allowed!)
- Face the lucky direction of that year (determined by the zodiac)
- Make a wish while eating
Fun fact: This custom originated in Osaka's merchant district during the Edo period but didn't become widespread until the 1990s, largely due to marketing campaigns by convenience stores. It's a perfect example of how commercial interests can revive and popularize traditional customs!
The 2021 Date Change: Breaking 124 Years of Tradition
Why Did the Date Change?
For 124 years (since 1897), Setsubun had been celebrated on February 3rd. However, in 2021, it moved to February 2nd.
Why?
Setsubun isn't fixed to a calendar date but rather depends on the astronomical calculation of Risshun (the beginning of spring). This is determined by the sun's position relative to Earth.
Due to Earth's slightly irregular orbit and the way leap years work, the exact moment of Risshun shifts slightly each year.
What this means:
- The 2021 change was the result of accumulated astronomical discrepancies over more than a century
- Astronomers predict that Setsubun will occasionally fall on February 2nd in coming years (2025, 2029, etc.)
- February 3rd will remain the most common date
Public Reaction
The date change sparked considerable discussion in Japan, with many people surprised to learn that Setsubun's date wasn't actually fixed.
Social media buzzed with conversations about the astronomical reasons behind the shift, making it a rare moment when celestial mechanics became mainstream news.
Fascinating Setsubun Facts You Probably Didn't Know
The Oni Mask Mystery
While oni are typically depicted as demons or ogres in Japanese folklore, during Setsubun they specifically represent:
- Bad luck
- Evil spirits
- Negative energy that accumulated over the past year
What they look like: The masks usually feature horns, wild hair, and fangs, often in red, blue, or green colors.
Regional Variations
Different regions in Japan have unique Setsubun traditions:
Northeastern Japan
Some areas throw peanuts instead of soybeans because they're easier to pick up and eat afterward (practical thinking!)
Yamagata Prefecture
People throw beans wrapped in paper pouches to keep things tidy
Certain Temples
Some shrines have reversed the chant to "Oni wa uchi" (demons in) because:
- Their deity has connections to oni, OR
- They want to welcome all beings, even demons
The Lucky Direction Changes Annually
The "lucky direction" (eho) for eating ehomaki rotates annually based on the Ten Celestial Stems system from Chinese philosophy.
Recent lucky directions:
- 2024: East-northeast
- 2025: West-southwest
You must face this exact direction while eating your sushi roll in silence!
Celebrity Bean Throwers
Major temples in Tokyo and Kyoto invite celebrities, sumo wrestlers, and TV personalities to throw beans at public ceremonies.
These events can draw thousands of spectators hoping to catch beans thrown by famous figures, as catching them is believed to bring extra good luck.
Pro tip: Getting hit by a bean thrown by a celebrity sumo wrestler = ultimate good fortune!
The Economic Impact
Ehomaki has become BIG business in Japan.
Convenience stores, supermarkets, and department stores sell millions of sushi rolls during Setsubun season, with estimates suggesting the market is worth billions of yen annually.
However... this has also led to concerns about food waste, as unsold rolls often get discarded.
Modern Concerns and Adaptations
The Food Waste Problem
The commercial success of ehomaki has a dark side.
In recent years, there's been growing criticism about the massive food waste generated by overstocked ehomaki that go unsold.
The solution?
In response, major retailers have begun implementing pre-order systems to reduce waste. This ensures they only make what customers actually want!
Contemporary Twist: Character Masks
While traditional oni masks remain popular, modern celebrations sometimes feature masks of:
- Disliked politicians
- Unpopular public figures
- Cartoon villains
This adds a humorous, cathartic element to the demon-expelling ritual. Nothing quite like throwing beans at your least favorite politician's face!
How to Celebrate Setsubun Yourself
Want to try this Japanese tradition? Here's what you need:
Essential Items:
- Roasted soybeans (fukumame) - available at Asian grocery stores or easily roasted at home
- An oni mask (or make your own!)
- Knowledge of the current year's lucky direction
Optional Items:
- Ehomaki sushi roll
- Decorations of holly and sardine heads (another tradition meant to repel demons with their smell... yes, really!)
The Ritual (Step-by-Step):
1. Wait until evening (traditionally when demons appear)
2. Open windows and doors
3. Throw beans while chanting:
"Oni wa soto! Fuku wa uchi!"
4. Close doors and windows to trap the good fortune inside
5. Eat the number of beans corresponding to your age
6. Face the lucky direction and eat ehomaki in silence while making a wish
Why Setsubun Matters in Modern Japan
Despite Japan's rapid modernization, Setsubun remains widely celebrated because it offers something contemporary life often lacks:
A tangible ritual for renewal and fresh starts.
The physical act of throwing beans, the communal shouting, and the consumption of lucky foods provide a satisfying sense of agency over one's fortune.
It's also deeply family-oriented, giving parents and children a chance to engage in playful tradition together.
In an increasingly digital world, the tactile, boisterous nature of Setsubun offers a refreshing analog experience.
No smartphones required—just beans, shouts, and good vibes!
Conclusion: More Than Just Throwing Beans
Setsubun beautifully illustrates how Japanese culture balances ancient tradition with contemporary life.
From its Chinese origins to its evolution through Japanese history, from the unexpected 2021 date change to modern concerns about food waste, Setsubun is a living tradition that continues to adapt.
Whether you're:
- Tossing beans at demons
- Eating lucky sushi in silence
- Or simply learning about this fascinating custom
Setsubun reminds us that sometimes the best way to welcome the future is through time-honored rituals that connect us to the past.
So next February (whether it's the 2nd or 3rd), consider joining millions of Japanese people in shouting at demons and welcoming good fortune.
After all, who couldn't use a little extra luck?
