February 3, 2022 Marks Setsubun – Devour It All in One Go, Headed North-Northwest!

● February 3rd is Setsubun

In Japan, the most famous seasonal event in February is Setsubun.

Setsubun is the day before Risshun, the beginning of spring on the calendar. Last year, for the first time in 124 years, Setsubun fell on February 2, which sparked much discussion. This year, Setsubun is back to its usual date of February 3. Setsubun marks the transition from winter to spring, and various events are held across the country to pray for disaster prevention and good fortune, welcoming the new spring.

This year, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, some events may be canceled, but many places will still hold Setsubun purification rituals.

Let's take a closer look at Setsubun! Please also take precautions against COVID-19 while enjoying this once-a-year event!

● What is Setsubun? The reason for scattering beans

Records show that the custom of scattering beans dates back about 600 years to the Muromachi period. In winter, people often caught colds and other illnesses, and as the season changed from winter to spring, the idea was to drive away bad things with beans and call in good luck, wishing that everyone would stay healthy and happy.

"Oni wa soto! Fuku wa uchi!" (Demons out! Luck in!) is the chant when scattering beans on Setsubun!

Since ancient times, "oni" (demons) have symbolized evil, depicted with horns, red or blue faces, and fierce expressions. On Setsubun, invisible "bad things" are called demons. Meanwhile, "fuku" (luck) represents fortune, happiness, and positivity.

The main purpose of Setsubun is to invite the happiness that everyone desires. Thinking of it as an event that drives away evil and calls in good fortune feels quite romantic!

The scene of scattering beans on Setsubun with the chant "Oni wa soto! Fuku wa uchi!"

● Beans thrown at demons are stronger than swords!

Why are beans used to drive away demons? The "beans" used are soybeans. Soybeans have long been a Japanese ingredient, processed into tofu, miso, soy sauce, sweet boiled beans, natto, kinako (roasted soybean flour), and many other foods, making them common in daily meals.

It is said that because soybeans are rich in nutrients and full of vitality, they become powerful weapons stronger than swords, capable of driving away demons.

The soybeans used for scattering beans are roasted, not raw. Since they are used to drive away bad things, if the beans were not roasted and sprouted after being thrown, it would be troublesome. Driving away bad things only to end up cultivating them would not do. Some places apparently scatter peanuts instead. It is said that eating the same number of Setsubun beans as your age will help you avoid illness and live healthily. So be sure to count out beans equal to your age and eat them!

● Because it originated in Osaka?! Eat a whole rolled sushi in one go

The lucky food eaten on the night of Setsubun is Ehomaki. Ehomaki is essentially a rolled sushi (makizushi), but it is not cut into bite-sized pieces; instead, the entire long roll is eaten in one go. This custom is said to have originated in Osaka, but many details remain unclear. The current belief is that on the night of Setsubun, facing the eho (lucky direction) and silently making a wish while eating the entire Ehomaki in one bite will make the wish come true. This year's lucky direction is north-northwest. Make a wish on Setsubun night!

The rolled sushi "Ehomaki" eaten on Setsubun

● Praying for disaster relief and good fortune at Gogan Kannon

In Osaka's Dojima area, the "Setsubun Yōkai" festival is famous for its splendor, but the Setsubun festival held at the temple nicknamed "Gogan Kannon," which is said to be Japan's oldest place for prayers of disaster prevention, also attracts many people and is bustling. The ceremony is very quiet, without bean scattering, and its main event is a goma (sacred fire) purification ritual. The protective steamed buns (yaku-yoke manju) sold at the temple gate are very popular; it is said that giving them to close ones will ward off disasters. Although the festival may not be held as usual this year due to the situation, online services are available, so you can seek purification even from afar.

*Please check in advance about the 2022 festival events.

Goma (sacred fire) ceremony at the Setsubun festival of Gogan Kannon

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic this year, the situation is different from usual.

#Don't lose to COVID-19. Enjoy the Setsubun festival as much as your circumstances allow!

"Oni wa soto! Fuku wa uchi!"

Hoping for an early return to peaceful and stable days.

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