Feb 3 (Wed) Setsubun

February 3rd is Setsubun(節分). Setsubun literally means seasonal division and marks the coming of spring.

On setsubun there is special ritual called Mamemaki, it means bean-throwing, to expel demons and invite fortune. It's performed at houses, temples and shrines all over Japan. People throw roasted soybeans saying "Oni wa soto! Fuku wa uchi! (Get out Ogre! Come in Happiness!)." After mamemaki, people eat the number of beans as to their age. It's believed people won't get sick during the year by doing so.

In Hirhoshima, Daishoin Temple on Miyajima is a popular place to take part in the ritual. The ritual will start from 11:00.


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In the city center the ritual is also performed at Gokoku Shrine, located in front of Hiroshima Castle from 15:30.


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