Hello, everyone!
February 2nd was Setsubun! Today, we would like to introduce about this traditional Japanese event – Setsubun!

What is Setsubun?
Setsubun is a day to drive away bad luck and bring good fortune, wishing for everyone’s health and happiness.
On this day, people perform mamemaki (bean-throwing) while chanting:
“Oni wa soto! Fuku wa uchi!” (Demons out! Fortune in!)

What does “Oni wa soto, Fuku wa uchi” mean?
In ancient Japan, “oni” (demons) represented bad luck.

• “Oni wa soto” → Drive demons out of the house to remove misfortune.
• “Fuku wa uchi” → Invite good fortune in for a happy family.

Why do people throw beans?
There is an old legend that beans were used to defeat demons.
It is also said that eating the same number of beans as your age will bring good health and protection from illness!

Eating Ehomaki for Good Luck!
On Setsubun, people eat a special sushi roll called “Ehomaki” for dinner.
Ehomaki is a thick sushi roll with 7 different ingredients inside.
(It is a large sushi roll wrapped in seaweed with rice and fillings.)

To properly eat Ehomaki, face the lucky direction of the year, make a wish in your heart, and eat in complete silence to make your wish come true!

This year (2025), the lucky direction is South-Southeast (南南東 – Nannantou)!

This is Setsubun – traditional Japanese event.

If you are in Japan, try buying beans and Ehomaki to enjoy Setsubun!