Eastern Asia

There is something deeply satisfying about hurling a fistful of roasted soybeans at a demon. Not a metaphorical demon. An actual person dressed in a terrifying red-and-blue horned mask, crouching on your doorstep while your children shriek with delight. This is Setsubun — one of Japan’s most beloved seasonal traditions […]

Every year on February 3, millions of Japanese families open their front doors and hurl roasted soybeans into the cold night air. They shout a phrase that has echoed through Japanese homes for centuries: “Oni wa soto! Fuku wa uchi!” — Demons out! Good fortune in! This is mamemaki (豆まき), […]

Every winter in Japan, just when the cold feels most stubborn, a quiet shift happens. Families gather around kitchen tables. Supermarket shelves fill with fat sushi rolls and bags of roasted soybeans. Children rehearse a chant they have known since kindergarten: “Oni wa soto! Fuku wa uchi!” — Demons out! […]

Every year, as the last chill of winter settles across Japan, a quiet anticipation fills the aisles of supermarkets, convenience stores, and neighborhood sushi shops. Stacks of plump, uncut sushi rolls wrapped in glossy nori seaweed appear overnight. Hand-lettered signs point toward the lucky direction. Families gather around kitchen tables, […]

Every year, as the cold grip of Japanese winter begins to loosen, something unusual happens across the country. Fathers put on fearsome red and blue masks. Children load their tiny fists with roasted soybeans. And then, with gleeful shouts of “Oni wa soto! Fuku wa uchi!” (“Demons out! Good fortune […]

Every year, on the cusp of spring, Japan comes alive with a ritual that is equal parts ancient and playful. Handfuls of roasted soybeans fly through the air. Children squeal in delight—and maybe a little fear—as a family member stomps around in a horned demon mask. The chant “Oni wa […]