Setsubun in Japan — Marking the Threshold of Spring

Japanese Tradition
Written By Japan Suite
Soy beans for Mamemaki in a beautiful lacquered bowl

Soy beans in traditional lacquerware

節分 ― 春の節目を祝う日本の伝統

In Japan, Setsubun marks the end of winter and the approach of spring, a moment to cleanse, protect, and prepare for the season ahead. Far from a spectacle, this ritual blends domestic care, symbolic action, and playful tradition.

The Bean-Throwing Ritual

The most iconic practice of Setsubun is mamemaki, the throwing of roasted soybeans to ward off evil spirits and invite good fortune. Families chant, “Oni wa soto! Fuku wa uchi!” — “Demons out! Luck in!” — while scattering beans around the home and entrances.

Household Preparations

Sardine head talisman on house entrance to keep bad spirits away

Leading up to the day, families may sweep and tidy their homes, subtly echoing the year-end Ōsōji tradition. Entrances may also display simple decorations, such as hiiragi (holly) branches with sardine heads, believed to repel misfortune.

Objects and Craft in the Tradition

Even in a playful ritual like Setsubun, craft and materials matter. Roasted soybeans, holly branches, and handmade containers for the beans are part of a continuum of Japanese material culture — simple, functional, and symbolic. These objects quietly connect seasonal rituals to the broader world of Japanese craft and gift-giving.

Reflection and Renewal

Setsubun is a small but meaningful threshold. The act of marking the change in seasons reminds participants that attention, care, and symbolic action can shape daily life in subtle, enduring ways.

The ritual of throwing roasted soybeans during Setsubun reflects the Japanese appreciation for seasonal change and everyday ritual. Many traditional objects used in the home — such as handmade ceramics and lacquerware — reflect this same sensibility.

This post is part of our ongoing series on Japanese Seasonal Rituals, exploring how traditions like Oshōgatsu, year-end celebrations, Setsubun, cherry blossom season and Tanabata quietly mark the passage of time throughout the year.

Japan Suite
Showcasing traditional Japanese crafts and the artisans who create them — their stories and their art in words and visions. Japan’s hand-made crafts have played an integral role in the lives of Japanese for centuries. They are created in response to basic, everyday needs and have long been used in the daily rhythms of life. They come from the earth and from nature, and they are prized for their simplicity and long life. Craftspeople pour their passion, pride and energy into their handiwork, creating objects that can far outlive their creators, but in doing so, they carry on the artist’s legacy. The artisans know their objects can live hundreds of years, and they want to be just as proud of it in 100 years as they are today. So, everyday household items take on a life of their own, their own spirit and their own story. They are unique, one-of-a-kind creations with a character and spirit that grows stronger with regular use. The artist creates the object, but that is just the beginning of the journey. In the hands of its owner, a relationship is created, one that is nurtured across time. Just as we do, these creations will change over time developing new imperfections and new character. Each region and each artisan have their own character. In Japan, this is known as meibutsu. The legacy has been passed down by Japanese artists across time down to today’s craftspeople who are advancing and redefining this tradition. We applaud these artisans, and we strive to support them as they re-interpret the heritage of their predecessors — and we are proud to introduce their work, their stories and the passion they put into their creation here at Japan Suite.
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