Today, February 3, is Setsubun in Japan. It is also known as bean throwing day since traditionally families throw roasted soybeans at one family member dressed as an oni (demon) and shout "Oni wa soto, fuku wa uchi," which means "Demons out, good luck in." This is a way to drive the bad luck out of your house and bring in the good luck. In addition to throwing the roasted
soybeans, each member of the family is supposed to eat one soy bean for each year of their age.
This is a popular festival and most temples will have special guests come to throw beans and small gifts to the crowds who come. This is also a popular celebration for children, and many children will make oni masks and origami boxes to hold their beans.
Recently, however, we learned about a new aspect to this festival. This is something that traditionally is done in western Japan, but recently has been making its way throughout the country (mostly thanks to heavy marketing by grocery and convenience stores). A special rolled sushi, called a Eho-maki is served on Setsubun. Each person is supposed to face toward a particular compass point, depending on the Chinese zodiac, make a wish, and eat the entire, uncut sushi roll in silence.
We got some sushi rolls from Xavier's preschool and decided to try it. Can you see how fun it looks? Our verdict- It definitely seems to be a tradition that would be promoted by a store that specializes in meals for the single person. I think the more exciting tradition is the bean throwing, which the children seem to enjoy.
