Setsubun (節分), the festival of seasonal division is celebrated on February 2nd, 3rd or 4th, this ritual marks the transition from winter to spring according to the lunar calendar. More than just a time for seasonal change, Setsubun is a moment of purification, renewal, and welcoming good fortune into the year ahead.

The Meaning Behind Setsubun

At the heart of Setsubun is a simple yet powerful belief: as the seasons shift, so do the unseen energies that shape our lives. In Japan, this is a time to drive away misfortune and invite good luck, ensuring a fresh start for the year. The most well-known practice of the festival is mamemaki (豆まき), or the bean-throwing ritual, where roasted soybeans are tossed outside the home or at a designated shrine while chanting:

👉 “Oni wa soto! Fuku wa uchi!” (鬼は外！福は内！) “Demons out! Fortune in!”

This act symbolizes banishing bad luck (the “oni,” or demons) and welcoming prosperity and health for the coming year.

Other Traditions of Setsubun

While mamemaki is the most famous custom, there are several other fascinating traditions that make Setsubun a special time in Japan:

🎭 Wearing Oni Masks – In some households, a family member will wear an oni (demon) mask while others throw beans at them to chase away misfortune.

🍣 Eating Ehomaki (恵方巻) – A thick, uncut sushi roll that is eaten in complete silence while facing the year's designated lucky direction, which changes each year according to the zodiac.

To determine the lucky direction for a given year, you can use the last digit of the year:

• Years ending in 0 or 5: West-southwest
• Years ending in 1, 3, 6, or 8: South-southeast
• Years ending in 2 or 7: North-northwest
• Years ending in 4 or 9: East-northeast

Since 2025 ends in a 5, the lucky direction is west-southwest! 

Remember to eat your ehomaki in silence while facing west-southwest to ensure good luck for the year ahead.

🕯️ Hanging Protective Charms – Some people display hiragi iwashi (柊鰯)—holly branches with sardine heads—outside their doors to keep bad spirits away.

How are you celebrating Setsubun at home? let us know