- January 20, 2026
- BELONGING JAPAN
Have you heard of Setsubun? When visiting a supermarket in Japan in early February, you may notice demon masks and bags of roasted soybeans on display. These items are used to celebrate Setsubun (節分), a traditional Japanese event that marks the change of seasons and the welcoming of good fortune.
This article explains the meaning of Setsubun, when it takes place, and how people celebrate it in Japan. If you are interested in experiencing Setsubun in person, you can also check our guide on where to attend Setsubun events.
Table of Contents
What is Setsubun?
Setsubun is a traditional Japanese festival that represents the expulsion of “evil” to welcome a year of health and well-being. Originally from Chinese traditions, it has become an essential part of Japan’s ancient culture.
The term 節分 (Setsubun) translates to “seasonal division,” with “節” representing the season and “分” signifying the division. The festival marks the shift from winter to spring.
Historically, it referred to the day before each of the four seasons: Risshun (立春 – the beginning of spring), Rikka (立夏 – the beginning of summer), Risshū (立秋 – the beginning of autumn), and Ritto (立冬 – the beginning of winter). Over time, the day before “Risshun” (the beginning of spring) became more significant, and now Setsubun is commonly associated with the day before Risshun.
Setsubun is a traditional Japanese festival that symbolizes the removal of bad luck and the welcoming of health and happiness for the coming year. While its origins are influenced by ancient Chinese traditions, Setsubun has become an important cultural event in Japan.
The word Setsubun (節分) literally means “seasonal division.
- 節 refers to a season
- 分 means division
Historically, Setsubun referred to the day before the beginning of each season:
- Risshun (立春): beginning of spring
- Rikka (立夏): beginning of summer
- Risshū (立秋): beginning of autumn
- Rittō (立冬): beginning of winter
Over time, the day before **Risshun**, the beginning of spring, became the most significant. Today, Setsubun generally refers to this day.
When Is Setsubun?
Setsubun does not fall on a fixed date each year. It is celebrated on the day before Risshun, the beginning of spring according to the traditional Japanese calendar.
In most years, Setsubun falls on February 3, but the exact date may change depending on the calendar. Because of this, it is always a good idea to check the date in advance.
Upcoming Setsubun Dates
2026: February 3 (Tuesday)
2027: February 3 (Wednesday)
2028: February 3 (Thursday)
These dates are based on the traditional calendar and may occasionally shift in rare years.
What to do on Setsubun?
Mame-Maki, “oni wa soto fuku wa uchi”
During Setsubun season, people believe that bad luck and illness can enter the home. They think that beans have the power to ward off evil spirits, so they practice “mamemaki” or bean throwing. Families scatter beans during mamemaki to symbolize the expulsion of evil and pray for their household’s safety and health. The way mamemaki is performed varies by region, but it’s usually done at night when demons are said to visit. People carry a container of roasted soybeans and open doors, windows, and entrances while saying “Oni wa soto” (Out with demons) to cast out demons. Then, they close the doors and throw beans into the house, chanting “Fuku wa uchi” (In with good fortune) to invite happiness into the home. In households with young children, family members may take turns playing the demon by wearing a demon mask and scattering beans toward the designated demon.
Ehomaki
People often enjoy a special type of sushi roll during Setsubun called Eho-maki. Eho-maki is inspired by the Seven Lucky Gods and contains seven auspicious ingredients. For example, shrimp symbolizes longevity. The name “Eho-maki” translates to “lucky direction roll.”
Traditionally, people eat Eho-maki facing a specific lucky direction while consuming the entire roll without cutting it. This practice is believed to bring good fortune and positive connections. To ensure luck stays, it’s customary to eat the roll in silence while making wishes in your heart.
Additionally, people believe that the direction in which you eat the Eho-maki affects its auspiciousness, and this direction changes each year. For 2024, the recommended direction is east-northeast.
So, when enjoying an Eho-maki this year, remember to eat it whole, silently make your wishes, and face the fortunate direction of east-northeast.
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