Ah, February in Okinawa. The sakura are blooming, your in-laws are judging your chopstick skills, and somewhere in your neighborhood, a grown adult is aggressively throwing soybeans at their own father.
Welcome to 節分 (Setsubun)—Japan’s annual “kick out the demons, bring in the good vibes” festival.
Why Are We Doing This?
Setsubun marks the changing of seasons, specifically spring (even if it still feels like sweater weather). Back in the day, people believed that when seasons changed, evil spirits (oni, or demons) liked to pop in and ruin everything—kind of like that one neighbor who won’t stop talking about their keto diet.
The solution? Yeet some beans at the problem.
How It Works
Bean-Throwing (豆まき, Mamemaki)
Take roasted soybeans.
Chuck them at a family member wearing an oni mask (or just at an empty doorway if Grandpa refuses).
Yell 「鬼は外！福は内！」 (Oni wa soto! Fuku wa uchi! – “Demons out! Luck in!”)
Congratulations, you’ve just exorcised your apartment.
Eating Beans
You’re supposed to eat your age in beans (+1 for extra luck).
If you’re pushing 50, well… enjoy your protein intake for the day.
The Silent Sushi Challenge (恵方巻, Ehomaki)
Buy a giant sushi roll.
Face the “lucky direction” of the year (changes annually, so check your phone like the rest of us).
Eat it silently, in one go without cutting it.
If you laugh or speak, congratulations—you’ve ruined your luck. Try again next year.
Ehomaki can be found in most grocery stores and convenience stores during Setsubun season.
Where to Experience Setsubun in Okinawa?
Easy. On February 2nd, Just grab a Setsubun package from a local supermarket or 100-yen store—it comes with roasted soybeans and a creepy demon mask. Pick a family member (or a brave friend) to wear the mask, then unleash your inner exorcist by hurling beans at them while yelling 「鬼は外！福は内！」 (Oni wa soto! Fuku wa uchi! – “Demons out! Luck in!”). After the chaos, eat your age in beans for good luck, then attempt the silent sushi challenge with an ehōmaki roll. No chanting, no talking, just you, a massive sushi roll, and the silent judgment of your in-laws. Congrats—you’ve now officially celebrated Setsubun!
In 2025, the 恵方 (Ehō)—the auspicious direction for Setsubun—is west-southwest (255 degrees). Facing this direction while eating your 恵方巻き (Ehōmaki) is believed to bring good fortune for the year
Should You Try It?
Absolutely. It’s a low-effort way to reset your luck, plus you get an excuse to pelt someone with food. Just maybe warn your in-laws first before launching beans at their heads.
Happy Setsubun—may your demons be banished and your sushi rolls be intact.
Happiness in Okinawa Is…
A heart warming book that illustrates 365 happy moments about living on Okinawa. Now on sale on Amazon and in store.
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