Setsubun Day (February 3rd) 👹

February 2nd is Crepe Day in France, but in Japan, February 2nd (or typically February 3rd) marks Setsubun Day. For our family, these two days mean back-to-back delicious traditions! 😋

What is Setsubun?

Setsubun signifies the transition between seasons, specifically the day before Risshun, or the start of spring. It’s a traditional day for rituals to ward off misfortune and welcome good fortune.

A Fresh Start for the Year

In Japan, Risshun in the old lunar calendar was considered a fresh start to the year, celebrating the arrival of spring. This celebration reflects the values of an agricultural society, where the cycle of the seasons and the beginning of new growth were cherished.

Interestingly, France’s La Chandeleur shares a similar spirit, as both are family traditions tied to seasonal transitions. Isn’t it wonderful to find such common points across cultures? Truly sans frontières (– without borders)!😀

Bean-Throwing (Mame-maki)

Mame-maki, or bean-throwing, is a ritual to drive away evil spirits and invite good fortune. Roasted soybeans, believed to have the power to ward off misfortune, are thrown while chanting, “Oni wa soto! Fuku wa uchi!” (“Out with demons! In with fortune!”).

The Japanese word for beans, mame, sounds like ma wo metsu (to destroy evil spirits). The custom of using roasted beans began as a practical measure—raw beans, if left behind, could sprout, which was considered bad luck. Eating the same number of beans as your age is also a tradition, symbolizing a wish for good health throughout the year

Fun Family Memories of Bean-Throwing

When I was a child, one of my older brothers often played the “demon” while we threw beans at them, or we’d shout, “Oni wa soto!” as we tossed beans out the window. The “demon” didn’t have it easy, but it was always such a fun time, filled with laughter.

Eating the same number of beans as your age was a highlight for me every year—though as the youngest, I often felt cheated because I got the fewest beans! Now, eating so many beans feels like a challenge, but my kids envy me and say, “Mom, you’re so lucky to get so many beans!” Haha! 😅

How We Prepare Beans in Berlin

Finding roasted soybeans for Setsubun in Berlin isn’t easy, so for a long time, I thought bean-throwing wasn’t an option here. But recently, I found the same kind of soybeans at a local supermarket! Preparing them yourself is surprisingly simple and adds a nice homemade touch

Here’s how we do it:

1. Prepare the Beans
   Use dried soybeans as they are (no soaking required).
2. Roast the Beans
   Place the soybeans in a frying pan and start with high heat. Once they start popping, lower the heat and roast them slowly. Shake the pan occasionally to prevent burning and continue roasting until they release a fragrant aroma (about 20–30 minutes).
3. Cool the Beans
   Turn off the heat and let the beans cool completely before enjoying them.

With these homemade roasted beans, our family can fully enjoy the Setsubun tradition. The aroma of freshly roasted beans makes it feel extra special!

Ehomaki: A Lucky Roll Tradition

Ehomaki, or “lucky direction rolls,” has become popular across Japan in recent years, but it originally comes from the Kansai region, particularly Osaka. Merchants ate these uncut sushi rolls while facing the year’s auspicious direction (ehō) to pray for prosperity and good health.

The tradition is believed to date back to the Edo or Meiji period. Ehomaki typically contains seven ingredients, symbolizing the Seven Gods of Good Fortune (Shichifukujin). It’s eaten uncut to avoid “cutting off” the luck, and in silence while making a wish, to bring good fortune.

Our Family’s Ehomaki Tradition

Every year, we make Ehomaki together as a family. Since it’s hard to find all the traditional ingredients in Berlin, we like to get creative and use what’s available. Our favorite fillings include salmon, avocado, and tamagoyaki (Japanese omelet)—a combination the kids love!

Once the rolls are ready, we all face the lucky direction for the year and take our first silent bite together. Trying not to laugh as we sneak glances at each other makes it even more memorable! It’s a simple, joyful tradition that we all look forward to.

Why not give it a try this year? Check out my Ehomaki recipe (Easy Sushi Rolls with Crab Stick, Salmon, and Avocado)  on Umami!