Setsubun – Japan’s Festival of Fortune & Evil-Driving Rituals
Setsubun is a lively Japanese festival celebrated to drive away evil spirits and welcome good luck for the new season. With flying beans, colorful oni masks, cheerful crowds, and joyful laughter, it marks a fresh spiritual beginning filled with tradition, positivity, and hope for a brighter, healthier, and happier year ahead.
Setsubun: Japan’s Festival of Good Luck & New Beginnings
Setsubun is one of Japan’s most fun and meaningful traditional festivals, celebrated every year on February 3rd or 4th, just before the start of spring. The word Setsubun means “seasonal division”, and this festival marks the transition from winter to spring according to the old Japanese lunar calendar.
The main purpose of Setsubun is to remove bad luck, sickness, and evil spirits, and to invite happiness, health, and fortune into homes and communities. Unlike quiet festivals, Setsubun is loud, energetic, playful, and full of laughter — making it a favorite for children and families.
Ancient Belief Behind Setsubun
In ancient Japan, people believed that evil spirits (Oni) appear during seasonal changes and cause illness, bad luck, and disasters. To protect themselves, people started throwing roasted soybeans to chase these spirits away.
This ritual became the heart of Setsubun and is still practiced today with great excitement and belief. It represents:
• Purification of homes
• Protection from misfortune
• A clean start for the new season
Even today, many Japanese still strongly believe that participating in Setsubun brings positive energy for the whole year.
Mamemaki – The Famous Bean-Throwing Ritual
The most important ritual of Setsubun is Mamemaki, which means “bean throwing.” During this ritual:
• One person wears an Oni (demon) mask
• Others throw roasted soybeans at them
• Everyone shouts loudly:
“Oni wa soto! Fuku wa uchi!”
(Demons out! Fortune in!)
People throw beans inside their homes, at doors, windows, and even outside their houses to push out bad spirits. Children especially love this part, as it feels like a fun game.
After Mamemaki, each person eats the same number of beans as their age for good health and long life.
Setsubun at Temples & Shrines
Setsubun is also celebrated grandly at famous temples and shrines across Japan. Large crowds gather to watch special Mamemaki ceremonies where:
• Monks, sumo wrestlers, and celebrities throw beans
• Lucky prizes are sometimes mixed with the beans
• People try to catch beans for extra good fortune
Popular Setsubun celebration spots include:
• Senso-ji Temple (Tokyo)
• Naritasan Temple (Chiba)
• Yasaka Shrine (Kyoto)
• Sumiyoshi Taisha (Osaka)
The atmosphere during these events is exciting, spiritual, and joyful.
Ehomaki – The Silent Sushi Tradition
Another special Setsubun food tradition is Ehomaki, a long, uncut sushi roll. On Setsubun night, people:
• Face the year’s lucky direction
• Eat the entire sushi roll silently
• Make a wish while eating
It is believed that breaking silence or cutting the roll will cut off good luck. This tradition has become very popular in recent years, and convenience stores across Japan sell millions of Ehomaki rolls every Setsubun.
Family Fun, Costumes & Celebrations
During Setsubun, families enjoy:
• Children wearing Oni costumes
• Parents acting as demons
• Loud laughter during bean throwing
• Special family dinners
Schools and kindergartens also organize playful Setsubun events to teach children about tradition in a fun way. The festival creates strong memories of happiness, protection, and family bonding.
Why Tourists Love Setsubun in Japan
• Fun cultural participation
• Easy festival for foreigners to enjoy
• Unique bean-throwing experience
• Great temple photography
• Family-friendly atmosphere
• Deep spiritual meaning with playful energy
Setsubun perfectly combines faith, fun, and tradition in one joyful festival.
Conclusion
Setsubun is more than just throwing beans — it is a powerful celebration of purification, positivity, and fresh beginnings. From chasing away evil spirits to eating lucky sushi rolls, every ritual carries hope for a better future. If you want to experience Japan’s playful spiritual side, Setsubun is a joyful and unforgettable part of your Journey Japan adventure.