At the heart of Japanese culture are ancient traditions, celebrated with particular fervour. One of these celebrations is Setsubun, a festival that marks the passage from winter to spring. A native of Japan, this tradition offers a unique opportunity to strengthen family ties, drive away bad spirits and prepare to welcome the new season with optimism and hope.
Origin of Setsubun
Setsubun’s origin dates back centuries, rooted in Shinto and Buddhist beliefs and rituals. The term “setsubun” literally means “separating seasons”. Historically, this festival was celebrated according to the Japanese lunar calendar to mark the beginning of spring, called Risshun ( It was a crucial time when people got rid of the harmful influences of winter and welcomed the new season.
Traditions of Setsubun
Setsubun’s celebration is surrounded by many fascinating traditions. One of the most popular customs is the “mamemaki” ( During this practice, the family gathers and throws grilled soy beans, called “fukumame” ( It is said that this action casts out the oni (demon or evil spirits) and brings good fortune for the coming year. Children, dressed in traditional costumes, often participate with joy in this fun activity. In some areas, such as Hokkaido, the fukumame are replaced by peanuts.
A tradition (recent, because linked to a commercial blow of a chain of convenience store) of Setsubun is to eat “ehoumaki” – uncut sushi rolls. The ehumaki is tasted in silence while making a wish for the coming year. According to popular belief, for the vow to come true, it is crucial to eat the roll in a single and specific direction, determined by the year of the Japanese zodiac in progress.
How Setsubun Is Fated Today
Setsubun is celebrated throughout Japan, whether at home, in temples or in schools. The festivities often include community events where people gather to participate in traditional rituals, attend demonstrations of lion dance, listen to storytellers tell stories about the oni and enjoy special dishes prepared for the occasion.
Supermarkets and souvenir shops offer a variety of items related to Setsubun. Theoni masks, seasonal decorations and special assortments of soy beans for mamemaki. The Japanese media also cover this event, offering viewers special programs on cultural significance and different ways to celebrate Setsubun across the country.
What’s tasty during Setsubun
Setsubun is also an opportunity to enjoy special dishes and drinks associated with the season. In addition to the ehumaki, other dishes are prepared for this particular day. There are often soy bean-rich dishes, such as “natto” and fermented soya beans. Hot and comforting dishes such as “zoni” () a soup of mochi rice with vegetables and meat.
In addition to food, special drinks are served to accompany the festivities. The “amazake” ( By enjoying these culinary delights, the participants celebrate Setsubun in an atmosphere of conviviality and sharing, thus strengthening family and community ties.
How to Participate in Setsubun
In the street
For those who want to participate in Setsubun on the street, many cities organize public events or festivals. You can search for local ads to find Setsubun festivals near you. These events often include parades, food stands, traditional games and lion dance demonstrations. You can join the joyful crowd to participate in the mamemaki. It is an opportunity to discover Japanese culture in an immersive way with the local community.
In Temples
Temples in Japan are also privileged places to celebrate Setsubun. Many temples organize ceremonies where monks perform traditional rituals to purify the atmosphere and bless the faithful. Thus, you can attend these ceremonies and even participate by buying amulets for protection and luck. Some temples also organize more interactive events, such as lion dance demonstrations or mamemaki sessions. Attending Setsubun in a temple offers a unique spiritual experience. This allows us to discover the religious dimension of this ancient Japanese tradition.
By participating in Setsubun on the street or in temples, you can soak up the vibrant atmosphere of this traditional festival and join in the celebration of the seasonal transition with the people of Japan.
Four Temples for Celebrate Setsubun
Senso-ji Temple – Tokyo:
Located in the historic district ofAsakusaIn Tokyo, Senso-ji Temple is one of the most popular sites to celebrate Setsubun. Every year thousands of faithful gather to attend traditional ceremonies. The lively atmosphere and the magnificent architecture of the temple make this place a must-see place from Setsubun to Tokyo.
Yoshida-jinja Shrine – Kyoto
Nestled at the foot of Yoshida Mountain in Kyoto, Yoshida-jinja Shrine is renowned for its vibrant Setsubun festivities. The ceremonies here are traditional and attract many visitors every year. Lion dance demonstrations and purification rituals performed by monks add a spiritual dimension to the celebration. After rituals, visitors can participate in the mamemaki.
Naritasan Shinshoji Temple – Chiba
A short distance from Tokyo, the Naritasan Shinshoji Temple in Chiba is another popular place to celebrate Setsubun. The temple organizes a series of special events, including colourful processions, folk dances and prayer ceremonies. Visitors can buy lucky amulets and participate in the mamemaki to conjure bad spirits and attract prosperity.
Todai-ji Temple – Nara.
The Todai-ji Temple in Nara, known for its great Buddha statue, is also a privileged place to celebrate Setsubun. The festivities here are often grand, with artistic performances, food stands and games to entertain visitors. Traditional rituals, including mamemaki, are performed with a special solemnity, offering participants a memorable experience of the Japanese Setsubun tradition.
Setsubun embodies the Japanese spirit of renewal, purification and celebration of the seasonal transition. It is a time when people gather to honor ancient traditions while creating new memories. Whether it’s throwing soy beans to keep the evil spirits away or tasting ehumaki to attract luck, Setsubun remains a popular celebration that connects generations and unites the Japanese community in a joyful celebration of hope and prosperity to come.
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