In Japan, a special festival called Setsubun is celebrated every year to welcome the beginning of spring. This festival follows the old lunar calendar and is believed to bring good luck while driving away evil spirits. The main tradition of this festival is mamemaki, a bean-throwing ritual where roasted soybeans are thrown to chase away bad spirits and bring good fortune for the coming year.
On Sunday, despite the rainy weather, many people gathered at temples across Japan to take part in the celebrations. One of the most famous events took place at Naritasan Shinshoji Temple in Chiba Prefecture, where actors, sumo wrestlers, and kabuki performers threw roasted soybeans from a stage to an excited crowd. Many people tried to catch and eat the beans because it is believed that eating soybeans equal to your age will bring good health and happiness.

The Meaning Behind Setsubun
The word Setsubun means “seasonal division.” It marks the day before the start of spring according to Japan’s old calendar. People believe that evil spirits become active at the change of seasons, bringing bad luck and sickness. That is why the tradition of bean-throwing began—to scare away these bad spirits and invite good fortune into homes.
During the ritual, people shout “Oni wa soto! Fuku wa uchi!” which means “Demons out! Good fortune in!” This chant is repeated while throwing beans at people dressed as demons, usually played by a family member or a temple performer. In many homes, fathers or the oldest male in the family wear demon masks, and children throw beans at them while laughing and playing.
How People Celebrate Setsubun at Home
Even though large events take place at temples, many families in Japan also celebrate Setsubun at home. The head of the household, usually the father or an older man, wears a red or blue demon mask, and children happily throw soybeans at him while shouting the traditional chant. The idea is to chase away bad energy and make space for good luck in the coming year.
Another important tradition of the festival is eating eho-maki, a special type of sushi roll. Eho-maki is a thick, uncut sushi roll that is believed to bring good luck if eaten while facing a lucky direction. The lucky direction changes every year and is based on the 12 signs of the Chinese zodiac. People eat the entire sushi roll in silence, as talking while eating might take away the good fortune.
A Festival for All Ages
The Setsubun festival is fun for people of all ages. Children love throwing beans at “demons,” while adults enjoy the community spirit and cultural traditions. Many people visit temples to take part in the large-scale celebrations, while others enjoy the festival in the comfort of their homes with family.
In temples, celebrities, sumo wrestlers, and kabuki actors are often invited to throw soybeans from the stage, creating a lively and exciting atmosphere. Many attendees bring small bags to catch the beans, believing that eating them will bring good health and success.
Safety Concerns for Young Children
Although Setsubun is a joyful festival, health officials warn parents to be careful when giving soybeans to young children. Every year, Japan’s Consumer Affairs Agency and the National Center for Child Health and Development remind families that small children could choke on the beans.
There have been cases where children aged between nine months and four years old have accidentally swallowed soybeans, leading to serious health issues. In 2020, a four-year-old child tragically passed away after choking on a soybean during a Setsubun event at a childcare center in Shimane Prefecture. The bean got stuck in the child’s throat and expanded after absorbing moisture, making it even more dangerous.

Doctors explain that sometimes a lodged soybean may not be immediately noticed and can stay in a child’s airway for one or two days before symptoms appear. This is why parents are advised to supervise young children during the festival and offer them alternative foods instead of whole soybeans.