Setsubun(節分): The Day Japan Throws Beans to Fight Evil!
02/02/2025 BY Feisty 1号

GoFeisty! is here to fuel the bold, the bright, and the fearless with content that empowers, uplifts, and—let’s be real—makes life more fun! Today, we’re diving into a unique Japanese tradition that’s all about driving out bad luck and welcoming good fortune—Setsubun(節分)!!
Forget Halloween—Japan has its own way of scaring off evil, and it involves throwing beans at people(yes, really!).
So, What’s Setsubun?
Setsubun(節分) means “seasonal division,” marking the end of winter and the start of spring according to the old lunar calendar. Think of it as Japan’s version of a spring cleaning ritual—except instead of dusting, we’re exorcising demons. Setsubun 2025 falls on February 2—which is a bit unusual since it’s traditionally on February 3. But due to calendar shifts, in 2025, it will indeed be observed on February 2 instead.
The Main Event: Mamemaki (豆まき) – Bean Throwing!
This is where things get wild. The tradition is simple:
1. Get roasted soybeans (called 福豆 fuku-mame, meaning “fortune beans”).
2. Find an oni (demon/ogre)—usually a poor dad, big brother, or unlucky coworker wearing a red or blue mask.
This paper oni mask came with a bag of Japanese snack sold at local Asian supermarket in Seattle.
Shout “Oni wa soto! Fuku wa uchi!” (“Out with the demons! In with good fortune!”) while throwing beans at them.
Repeat until oni flees the room or surrenders.
The idea? The beans purify the home by driving out bad luck and inviting good fortune for the year ahead. But let’s be real—it’s also an excuse for kids (and sometimes adults) to go full riot mode with snacks.
Eating Beans for Good Luck? Yes, Please!
After terrorizing the household demons, it’s time to eat your age in beans (+1 for extra luck).
★ If you’re 30, that’s 31 beans.
★ If you’re 50, that’s 51 beans.
★ If you’re 80… well, that’s a lot of beans. Good luck.
Ehomaki(恵方巻き): The Giant Sushi Roll You Can’t Talk While Eating
Recently, another Setsubun trend has taken over—ehomaki .
It’s a thick sushi roll (way bigger than a regular maki roll).
You have to eat it silently in one direction (determined by the zodiac for the year).
No cutting it! Cutting means cutting off good fortune.
If you talk while eating… well, there goes your luck.
It’s basically a food challenge disguised as tradition.
Where’s the Party?
Many temples and shrines host massive Setsubun festivals with celebrity guests, sumo wrestlers, and priests throwing beans at thousands of people. It’s bean chaos on a whole new level. If you ever get the chance to experience it, wear a helmet.
Why Does This Matter?
In the end, Setsubun is more than just bean battles and sushi rolls—it’s about resetting your luck, embracing a fresh start, and celebrating the change of seasons. Plus, who doesn’t love an excuse to throw food?
So tonight, grab some beans, find an oni, and let the chaos begin! Oni wa soto! Fuku wa uchi!
Stay bold. Stay bright. Stay Feisty. Let’s Go Feisty!
今日は節分・豆まき・恵方巻について英語でお伝えしました。
こどもが小さい頃は、シアトルの我が家でも豆まいていたっけなあ。
今年はだまってひとり恵方巻にかぶりつきたいと思います。
さあ、今日も元気に Let’s Go Feisty!
Feisty 1号
Founder of Go Feisty! A bold, bright, and fearless force of nature who lives life unapologetically outside the lines. Lives for great food & drinks and great times. Passionate about rescue dogs, F1, Broadway musicals, and a well-earned happy hour. つよく あかるく たくましく 大きくはみ出で生きることがモットーの大女。三度のメシも酒も好き。保護犬サポート・F1・ブロードウエイでミュージカル・アリス・ハッピーアワーらぶ。Go Feisty! 主催。
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