Setsubun is one of Japan’s most lively and unique festivals, celebrated on February 2nd, 3rd, or 4th—just before the first day of spring, Risshun. This vibrant tradition blends folklore, family fun, and delicious food, all aimed at driving away evil spirits and welcoming good fortune for the new year.
What Is Setsubun?
Setsubun, meaning “seasonal divide,” marks the transition from winter to spring. According to Japanese belief, evil spirits are most active during seasonal changes, so Setsubun is all about purifying homes and inviting good luck.
The Ritual of Bean Throwing
The highlight of Setsubun is mame-maki, where roasted soybeans are thrown at a volunteer dressed as an oni (demon or ogre).
Oni are said to be the bearers of illness, famine, and natural disasters. The demons run outside, the bad luck accumulated throughout the year going with them.
As beans fly through the air, participants shout:
“Oni wa soto! Fuku wa uchi!” (鬼は外、福は内)
“Demons out! Good luck in!”
Why do Japanese people throw soybeans for Setsubun?
- Soybeans are considered auspicious and symbolize the god of grains.
- The phrase “mame wo itaru” (roasting beans) sounds like “mame wo iru” (shooting demons in the eye)!
- After the ritual, everyone eats one bean for each year of their age (plus one extra for luck) to ward off illness.
Families, temples, and schools across Japan participate in this lively event, with demons running through crowds and beans flying everywhere!
The Role of Ehômaki (Lucky Direction Sushi Rolls)
No Setsubun celebration is complete without ehoumaki—a thick, uncut sushi roll packed with colorful fillings. Traditionally, it includes seven ingredients, representing the Shichifukujin (Seven Gods of Fortune). Common fillings include:
- Simmered shiitake mushrooms
- Cucumber
- Seasoned kanpyo (gourd strips)
- Anago (saltwater eel) or unagi (freshwater eel)
- Shrimp
- Sakura denbu (dried codfish flakes)
- Tamagoyaki (Japanese rolled omelette)
The key rule?
- Eat the entire roll uncut while facing the year’s lucky compass direction (north-northwest for 2026).
- Stay silent and make a wish—cutting the roll or speaking is said to break the luck!
🍣 Want to make your own? Try our Sushi Roller for perfect rolls every time!
Why we Love Setsubun at Bento&co
The Bento&co team loves celebrating Setsubun! Check out our Instagram Live video where we made ehomaki and chased away an evil spirit in our shop.
Setsubun is a festival steeped in cultural richness, with roots tracing back to Japan’s Nara period (710–794 AD). This centuries-old tradition offers a fascinating glimpse into Japanese folklore, where rituals like bean throwing and sushi rolling are believed to cleanse the home and invite prosperity for the new year.
Beyond its historical significance, Setsubun is a joyful celebration of family bonding. The playful act of chasing away demons and sharing roasted soybeans creates lasting memories, making it the perfect way to banish the winter blues and welcome the fresh energy of spring.
And let’s not forget the delicious traditions! From the satisfying crunch of lucky beans to the irresistible allure of giant ehoumaki sushi rolls, Setsubun is a feast for the senses. Whether you’re celebrating with loved ones or embracing the festival solo, it’s a time to savor the simple pleasures of Japanese culture.
How to Celebrate Setsubun at Home
Bring the magic of Setsubun to your home with these simple steps:
What You’ll Need
- Roasted soybeans (or peanuts, used in some regions).
- A willing “oni” volunteer (usually a family member in a demon mask).
- A thick sushi roll.
Step-by-Step Guide
- Prepare the beans: Roast soybeans or buy them pre-roasted.
- Dress up your oni: Use a mask or face paint for extra fun!
- Throw the beans: Shout “Oni wa soto! Fuku wa uchi!” as you toss beans at the “demon.”
- Eat your age in beans: Plus one extra for good measure.
- Enjoy ehoumaki: Face the lucky direction and savor your sushi roll in silence.
💡 Pro tip: Use our Bento Boxes to pack your ehômaki for a festive picnic!
Ready to celebrate? Start your own Setsubun tradition at home!
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