Setsubun Festival in Gion

The last day in Gion was Setsubun(節分）Setsubun is a traditional Japanese event celebrated on the 3rd of February, It marks the transition from winter to spring according to the lunar calendar and is considered a time to drive away bad luck and welcome good fortune.

The most famous Setsubun custom is throwing roasted soybeans while saying:

“Oni wa soto! Fuku wa uchi!”
(“Demons out! Good fortune in!”)

​People throw beans inside and outside their homes to symbolically chase away evil spirits and invite happiness.
Often, a family member wears an “oni” (demon) mask to make the event more fun, especially for children.

This year, I had the rare opportunity to throw beans at the Yasaka Temple in Gion. My friend from school had invited me to join her group to throw beans on stage.

Her group Imayoutabugakukai（今様謌会舞楽会)　studies and preserves Imayo through performances and cultural activities in Japan and abroad.

Imayō is a style of popular song from the Heian period. Meaning “songs of the present time,” it was enjoyed by people of all social classes.

 Imayoutabugakukai（今様謌会舞楽会)　website

The stage at Yasaka Shrine

My friend showing the traditional dance

Since there are no demons in the Yasaka Shrine, we only shout "Fukuwa uchi" (Good Fortune in!) 

Throwing beans at the crowd

Our group members in the two front rows are all born in the year of the fire horse.

What an experience. I hope we will enjoy good fortune this year!