What Is Setsubun? Japanese Bean-Throwing Festival & Ehomaki in 2026

A Unique Japanese Festival to Welcome Good Luck

When traveling in Japan during winter, you may hear people shouting “Oni wa soto! Fuku wa uchi!” and see soybeans being thrown around.
This lively tradition is called Setsubun, a seasonal event deeply rooted in Japanese culture.

When Is Setsubun?

Setsubun is usually celebrated on February 3rd (occasionally February 2nd, depending on the year).

Traditionally, Setsubun marks the day before the beginning of spring according to the old Japanese calendar.
Spring is considered the start of a new year in traditional belief, so Setsubun is a time to reset, cleanse bad luck, and invite good fortune.

What Kind of Day Is Setsubun?

Setsubun is not a national holiday, but it is widely celebrated at:

Homes
Shrines and temples
Schools and kindergartens
Shopping malls and event venues

Families, celebrities, and even sumo wrestlers often participate in public bean-throwing ceremonies.

Why Do People Throw Beans?

The main ritual of Setsubun is Mamemaki (bean throwing).

People throw roasted soybeans while chanting:

“Oni wa soto! Fuku wa uchi!”
“Demons out! Good fortune in!”

Why beans?

In Japanese, the word for bean (mame) sounds similar to words meaning “to destroy evil”.
Beans are believed to have spiritual power to drive away bad luck and misfortune.

Why Demons (Oni) and Good Fortune (Fuku)?

In Japanese folklore:

Oni (demons) symbolize illness, disasters, and bad luck
Fuku (good fortune) represents happiness, health, and prosperity

By chasing away the Oni, people symbolically cleanse their homes and minds for the coming year.

You might see someone wearing a demon mask while others throw beans at them—this is all part of the fun!

What Is Ehomaki?

Ehomaki is a special sushi roll eaten during Setsubun.

How is it different from normal sushi?

Thick sushi roll filled with several ingredients
Eaten without cutting
Eaten silently

Why silently?

Staying silent is believed to prevent good luck from escaping.

What direction do you face?

You eat Ehomaki while facing the year’s lucky direction, called Eho, which changes every year.

Today, convenience stores and supermarkets across Japan sell Ehomaki in many styles, from traditional to modern versions.

Can Tourists Experience Setsubun?

Absolutely!

Many famous shrines and temples host Setsubun events open to visitors, featuring:

Large-scale bean throwing
Traditional costumes
Lucky prizes

Even if you’re just walking around town, Setsubun is a fun chance to experience Japan’s playful and spiritual side.

Final Thoughts

Setsubun is more than just throwing beans—it’s a tradition that reflects the Japanese wish for health, happiness, and a fresh start.

If you visit Japan in early February, don’t miss this unique cultural experience.
You might even catch some good luck along the way!

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