Understanding Setsubun: Japan’s Seasonal Festival

What is Setsubun?

Setsubun (節分) is a traditional Japanese festival that marks the division of seasons, particularly the transition from winter to spring.

Celebrated annually on February 3rd (in 2025, it will fall on Monday, February 2nd), it is a time to welcome good fortune and expel misfortune.
The term 'Setsubun' translates to 'Season Division,' and although there are four such divisions throughout the year, the transition from winter to spring holds the most cultural significance. As a result, when people in Japan mention Setsubun, they are typically referring to the February celebration.

Rich in history and symbolism, Setsubun customs include bean-throwing rituals, protective decorations, and special foods, all deeply rooted in Japanese culture and philosophy. Whether you're familiar with Japanese traditions or new to the concept, this article will explore the essence of Setsubun, its origins, and its enduring charm.

Mamemaki: The Bean-Throwing Ritual

Roasted beans and Oni masks are sold at a local Wagashi store (和菓子, traditional Japanese confectionery) in Kusatsu (Shiga Prefecture) as part of the preparations for Setsubun's Mamemaki.

Few traditions capture the spirit of Setsubun quite like Mamemaki (豆撒き), the lively bean-throwing ritual that fills Japanese homes with excitement and purpose.
Picture this: roasted soybeans flying through the air as everyone shouts, “Oni wa soto! Fuku wa uchi!” (“Demons out! Luck in!”). Beyond the fun, this custom is steeped in centuries of history and meaning, blending ancient traditions with modern family celebrations.
The ritual can be performed in two ways:

1. Throwing Beans Out of the House:
    In this version, participants stand at the entrance or windows of the home and throw fukumame (福豆, "blessed beans") outside. This act is symbolic, driving away Oni (鬼, demons) and misfortune while inviting good luck and prosperity into the household.
   After the beans are thrown, the entrance is closed, ensuring no bad energy sneaks back inside.
2. Throwing Beans at an “Oni”:
   The more interactive approach involves someone dressing up as an Oni. 
   Often, a family member or a local volunteer puts on a demon mask and playfully "terrorizes" the group, chasing them or pretending to invade the home. Participants gleefully pelt the Oni with beans to chase it away, turning the ritual into a fun and memorable event, especially for children.
   

The Tradition’s Roots
Mamemaki’s origins trace back to the Heian period, inspired by Chinese customs and incorporated into Tsuina (追儺) rituals performed by Onmyōji (陰陽師), spiritual practitioners of Onmyōdō (陰陽道, an ancient Japanese cosmological system that emphasizes balance between natural elements).

These ceremonies were designed to expel evil spirits and misfortune, preparing for a fresh, prosperous season. Over the centuries, the solemn rituals evolved into the playful customs we enjoy today.

The Meaning Behind the Beans
The fukumame aren’t just regular soybeans—they’re roasted, ensuring they won’t sprout if forgotten (which would be considered a bad omen). Roasting also carries spiritual significance: the fire symbolizes transformation, turning negative energies into positive ones.

Beyond the Family Circle
Traditionally, the ritual is led by the head of the household or a "toshiotoko" (年男), someone born under the zodiac sign of the year. After the beans are thrown, everyone eats the same number of beans as their age (plus one extra for good luck), ensuring health and happiness in the coming year.
Whether tossing beans out the door or aiming them at a playful Oni, Mamemaki is more than just a tradition—it’s a joyful way to cleanse negativity, protect your home, and welcome good fortune for the year ahead.

Mamemaki is not limited to private family settings. In some shrines and temples, it is performed publicly, inviting the local community to join in the festivities. Notable examples include Yoshida Jinja (吉田神社) and Mibudera (壬生寺) in Kyoto, where large-scale events bring people together to share in the joy and meaning of this cherished tradition.

>> After throwing your beans at the Oni, be sure to collect them in one of our Pottery Bowls. For good fortune, remember to eat a number of beans equal to your age, plus one.

Hiiragi Iwashi: The Tradition of Holly and Sardines

Hiiragi Iwashi (柊鰯) guarding a Japanese Home. Courtesy of Kawaguchi Farm (川口悠 - Instagram page)

Hiiragi Iwashi (柊鰯) close-up. Courtesy of kimico.f (kimico.f-Instagram Page)

One of Japan's lesser-known but fascinating customs during Setsubun is the use of Hiiragi Iwashi (柊鰯), a talisman combining holly branches (hiiragi, 柊) and sardine heads (iwashi, 鰯). 
Families prepare this unique decoration by skewering grilled sardine heads onto holly branches and placing them near their homes' entrances, specifically facing the northeast, a direction known as "kimon" (鬼門), or the "demon gate." According to tradition, this practice wards off Oni (鬼, demons) and other malevolent forces.

The sharp, spiky leaves of holly are said to prick and deter evil spirits, while the pungent smell of sardines repels them. Together, these elements act as a natural barrier, pushing out winter's negative energy and inviting the vibrant, life-affirming warmth of spring. This custom, particularly prevalent in western Japan, dates back centuries, intertwining spirituality and seasonal cycles in a uniquely symbolic way.

The Symbolism Behind Holly and Sardines
The symbolic significance of Hiiragi Iwashi stems from its roots in Onmyōdō (陰陽道), an ancient Japanese cosmological system that emphasizes the balance of natural elements. 
In Onmyōdō, the Setsubun transitional period symbolizes the dynamic interaction between the residual influence of winter and the emerging energy of spring.
This idea is further elucidated through an analysis of the kanji comprising the term Hiiragi Iwashi:

• Holly (柊 / Hiiragi):
  The kanji 柊 combines 木 (ki, tree) and 冬 (fuyu, winter), both of which are associated with the season of winter in Onmyōdō.
• Sardine (鰯 / Iwashi): The kanji 鰯 incorporates 魚 (sakana, fish), which is associated with water—an element linked to winter in Onmyōdō.
  It also includes 弱 (yowai, weak), which symbolizes a diminishing or weakening force. In this context, the sardine represents an element that weakens the lingering effects of winter.
  

Together, the practice of placing holly branches adorned with sardine heads outside one’s home symbolizes the act of expelling winter and welcoming spring. This custom encapsulates the principles of Onmyōdō, emphasizing the transition and balance between seasonal elements.

Preparation of Hiiragi Iwashi (柊鰯). Courtesy of Kawaguchi Farm (川口悠 - Instagram page)

A Tradition Rooted in Connection
Crafting Hiiragi Iwashi is a simple yet meaningful way to engage with Japan’s rich cultural heritage. Families often involve children in the process, sharing stories about its protective qualities and seasonal significance. This ensures the tradition—and its profound symbolism—is passed down through generations.

Whether it's the spiky holly leaves that repel demons or the sardine heads that counteract vulnerability, Hiiragi Iwashi offers a beautiful metaphor: transforming simple, natural elements into a talisman of protection and renewal. It’s a timeless reminder of the harmony between humanity and nature, and the cycles of the seasons.

Ehomaki: The Lucky Direction Roll

Exquisite Ehomaki (恵方巻) served uncut, also known as Futomaki (太巻き). Courtesy Misono Marusho (御園丸正-instagram page)

Ehomaki (恵方巻) is a special sushi roll enjoyed during Setsubun.
The custom involves eating a whole futomaki (太巻き) roll in silence while facing the year’s auspicious direction, determined by the Toshitokujin (歳徳神, guardian deity of the year). Believed to bring good fortune and health, this practice became popular in the Kansai region during the Edo period.

The rolls typically contain seven fillings, symbolizing the Seven Lucky Gods (Shichifukujin / 七福神), though variations exist. Each ingredient is carefully selected not only for taste but also for its symbolic association with prosperity and longevity.
While the exact origins of Ehomaki are debated, it gained nationwide recognition through 20th-century marketing campaigns. Today, supermarkets and convenience stores across Japan offer a variety of Ehomaki rolls during Setsubun, making it a delicious and accessible tradition.

Section of Ehomaki (恵方巻) and Futomaki (太巻き). Courtesy Misono Marusho (御園丸正-instagram page)

Eating Ehomaki is more than just a culinary tradition; it’s a delightful family moment that brings everyone together. Imagine sitting around the table, facing the year’s lucky direction, and enjoying a hearty sushi roll in playful silence. This simple act creates a lighthearted yet meaningful way to share the joy of Setsubun with loved ones while welcoming good fortune for the year ahead.

>> Enhance your Ehomaki experience by serving it on one of our elegant Manaita Cutting boards or Pottery plates.

The Role of Oni in Setsubun

The figure of the Oni (鬼, demon) is central to Setsubun’s customs. Oni are traditionally depicted as fearsome creatures representing misfortune, disease, and calamity. 
By driving them away with rituals like Mamemaki and protective charms such as Hiiragi Iwashi, people symbolically cleanse their homes and lives of negative influences.

Oni Wooden Mask (Noh) Edo (1615-1868) or Meiji Period (1868-1912). The MET Museum

During the Muromachi period (室町時代, 1336–1573), the association of Oni with misfortune evolved alongside societal changes. Oni came to embody not only mythical creatures but also real-world threats, such as disease and social unrest. This cultural shift highlights the adaptability of Setsubun traditions in addressing collective fears and promoting community well-being. 
The image of the Oni as a symbol of adversity serves as a reminder of the importance of resilience and the power of ritual to create a sense of security.

Conclusion: Celebrating Renewal and Fortune

Setsubun is more than just a seasonal festival; it is a celebration of renewal, health, and harmony. From throwing beans to eating Ehomaki and displaying protective charms, its customs blend ancient philosophy with vibrant traditions that continue to captivate people today.

As you embrace the spirit of Setsubun, why not try incorporating some of these traditions into your own life?
Whether it’s enjoying a sushi roll, hanging a holly branch at your door, or simply learning about the cultural significance of the rituals, Setsubun offers a meaningful way to welcome the new season and invite good fortune.
By participating in this timeless festival, you connect not only with Japanese culture but also with the universal desire for renewal and prosperity.