Setsubun
Setsubun is done on February 3 and is celebrated with the purpose of wishing happiness and health, by casting out bad entities such as demons. In order to drive out demons and call in the fortune, beans are thrown outside the house while saying “Oni wa soto! (demons outside!)” and thrown inside the house while saying “Fuku wa uchi! (luck inside!)”. Other households might decorate their house with thorny holly leaves. Some people also eat sardines during this time. Sardines when fried produces a strong smell that it is believed to drive away demons. Lastly, ehomaki (fortune rolls) are also eaten during this day. Face the year’s lucky compass direction and eat it without saying anything to prevent the fortune from escaping. If you’re planning to join the fortune craze next year, the lucky direction for year 2020 is slightly west of southwest. Supermarkets and convenience stores usually sell these during setsubun so be sure to try it!
