Setsubun-sai is an ancient Shinto celebration that marks the start of the Japanese New Year. Shinto is the native religion of Japan and means “Way of the Gods”. Celebrated every year on February 3, it marks the end of Kan, the coldest season and marks the new Spring season.
It is also known as the Bean-Throwing Festival as the most famous ritual associated with Setsubun is mamemaki (“bean scattering”). In the ritual roasted soybeans, known as fukumame (“fortune beans”) are thrown, to purify the home by driving out the evil spirits that bring misfortune and bad health with them.