A month has already passed since the start of 2025, but February brings an event that truly marks the beginning of the year—Setsubun. This year, it falls on February 2nd.
The word Setsubun (節分) literally means "seasonal division" and originally referred to the day before the start of each of the four seasons: spring, summer, autumn, and winter. However, over time, Setsubun has grown in importance, as it is most closely associated with the arrival of spring. In Japan, spring symbolizes new beginnings, making Setsubun a significant transition into the year ahead.
But before we welcome spring, we must first drive away evil spirits—this is the essence of Setsubun. So, how do we ward off misfortune and invite good fortune?
Roasted soybeans in in the Masu-shaped Utsuwa by Kifumi Kawamura
One of the most well-known customs of Setsubun is “Mame maki”, or bean throwing. While tossing roasted soybeans, people chant “Oni wa soto, fuku wa uchi (鬼は外、福は内)” ("Demons out, good fortune in") to drive away evil spirits and invite good luck into their homes.
After Setsubun, there is also a tradition of eating the same number of beans as one's age, believed to ward off illness and misfortune. As a child, I was never satisfied with just the number of beans my age deserved, so I always asked my grandmother to share some of hers. For children, Mame maki is not just a ritual—it’s a fun and lively tradition that fills the home with laughter and excitement.
Since ancient times, beans have been thought to have the power to ward off evil and misfortune. In Buddhism, demons (oni 鬼) are considered to reside in the human heart, feeding on earthly desires and attachments, and are the source of suffering. Therefore, the custom of bean-throwing on Setsubun is also interpreted as a symbolic act of cleansing the inner demons and purifying the soul.
Otafuku -shaped Japanese dried sweets (干菓子）—Otafuku means “lots of good fortune”
Now might be the perfect time to pause and reflect before the new year truly begins.
I’ll enjoy some Japanese sweets shaped like Otafuku’s face—Otafuku means “lots of good fortune”!—with a bowl of matcha. As I sip, I’ll take a moment to think again about what kind of year I want 2025 to be. It's still cold, but just thinking about spring makes me feel even more cheerful. What about you? How do you envision this year for yourself? I’d love to hear your thoughts!