About Setsubun (Bean-Throwing Festival)
Setsubun marks the eve of the first day of spring on the traditional Japanese calendar — the symbolic turning of the seasons. Usually falling on February 3, it is famous for mamemaki, the bean-throwing ritual to drive out bad luck and welcome good fortune. This live Setsubun countdown shows how many days, hours and minutes remain until the next celebration in your own timezone.
In the mamemaki custom, roasted soybeans are scattered inside and outside the home — often at a family member wearing an oni (demon) mask — while everyone shouts 'Oni wa soto! Fuku wa uchi!' ('Demons out! Fortune in!'). Many people then eat one bean for each year of their age for good health. Another tradition is the ehomaki: eating a thick, uncut sushi roll in silence while facing the year's lucky compass direction. Temples and shrines hold lively public bean-throwing events too.
Setsubun normally falls on February 3, but because it is tied to the astronomical start of spring it occasionally shifts to February 2 — as it did in 2021 and 2025, and will again in some future years. This countdown tracks the correct date each year and rolls over once it passes. Bookmark the live Setsubun countdown or add it to your own page to follow the bean-throwing night.
Upcoming dates
| 2027 | Wednesday, February 3, 2027next |
| 2028 | Thursday, February 3, 2028 |
| 2029 | Friday, February 2, 2029 |
| 2030 | Sunday, February 3, 2030 |
| 2031 | Monday, February 3, 2031 |
FAQ
When is Setsubun?
Setsubun usually falls on February 3, the eve of the traditional first day of spring. In some years, such as 2025, it shifts to February 2 because the date follows the astronomical calendar.
Why is Setsubun celebrated?
It marks the changing of the seasons from winter to spring and is a time to cleanse the home of evil spirits and misfortune while inviting in good luck for the year ahead.
How is Setsubun celebrated?
Families perform mamemaki — throwing roasted soybeans while shouting "Oni wa soto! Fuku wa uchi!" — eat a bean for each year of their age, and enjoy a lucky ehomaki sushi roll.
What does "Oni wa soto, fuku wa uchi" mean?
It translates as "Demons out, fortune in!" — the phrase chanted while scattering beans to chase away the oni (demons) and welcome good luck.