Setsubun in Japan: Bean Throwing, Lucky Sushi & Chasing Away Bad Vibes
- MASX
- 2 hours ago
- 2 min read
If you happen to be in Japan around February 3, you might hear people shouting something unexpected:
“Oni wa soto! Fuku wa uchi!”
(“Demons out! Good luck in!”)
No, it’s not a protest or a spell—it’s Setsubun, one of Japan’s most playful and meaningful seasonal traditions.
What Is Setsubun?
Setsubun marks the end of winter and the beginning of spring according to Japan’s traditional calendar. It’s all about clearing out bad luck, negative energy, and misfortune from the past year—basically a cultural reset button before spring begins.
While it’s not a public holiday, it’s widely celebrated across the country, from family homes to temples and shrines.
What Do Locals Do on Setsubun?
The most famous tradition is mamemaki—bean throwing.
Families throw roasted soybeans either:
Out their front door
Or at someone dressed up as an oni (a demon)
The idea?
Beans symbolically chase away evil spirits and invite good fortune for the year ahead.
Kids LOVE this part. Adults… pretend they don’t 😄
After throwing the beans, people eat:
The same number of beans as their age (plus one extra for luck)
Crunchy, simple, and very Japanese.
The Lucky Sushi Roll: Ehomaki
Another Setsubun tradition is eating ehomaki, a thick sushi roll packed with ingredients believed to bring good luck.
The rules?
Eat it whole
Face the year’s lucky direction
Stay silent while eating (no laughing, no chatting!)
It sounds serious—but it’s actually kind of hilarious watching everyone focus intensely on their sushi.
Shrines, Temples & Big Celebrations
If you’re visiting Japan on Setsubun, head to a temple or shrine.
Many hold special events where:
Celebrities or monks throw beans to crowds
People cheer, laugh, and scramble for “lucky” beans
Traditional performances add to the festive atmosphere
Popular spots like Senso-ji in Tokyo or Yasaka Shrine in Kyoto get especially lively.
Why Travelers Should Experience Setsubun
Setsubun is one of those traditions that:
Locals genuinely enjoy
Doesn’t feel touristy
Lets you participate, not just observe