A Modern, No-Pressure Way to Celebrate Setsubun
As Setsubun approaches, many people in Japan prepare to welcome the new season by following traditional customs.
One of the most well-known traditions is eating the same number of roasted soybeans as your age, believed to bring good fortune and ward off misfortune for the year ahead.
I have followed this tradition every year.
However, as I’ve grown older, I’ve started to feel that eating so many beans has become a little difficult.
Still, I wanted to honor the spirit of Setsubun.
This year, I chose a more gentle and modern way to celebrate—one that fits my current lifestyle.
Choosing Holly Leaves and Soybean Stalks Instead of Eating Beans
This year, I prepared a small set of holly leaves and soybean stalks, instead of focusing on eating the beans.
In Japanese tradition, holly leaves are believed to repel evil spirits with their sharp thorns, while soybeans symbolize good fortune and protection.
This idea is closely related to an old custom known as Hiiragi Iwashi, which has long been used as a form of spiritual protection.
By displaying these items, it is possible to observe Setsubun without eating beans, while still respecting its traditional meaning.
How to Display Them in an Apartment
In modern living spaces—especially apartments—it can be difficult to decorate the outside of an entrance.
For this reason, I chose to place the holly leaves and soybean stalks inside my entryway, near the front door.
Even if the decoration is placed slightly below eye level, it still serves its symbolic purpose: protecting the entrance and welcoming good fortune into the home.
Rather than focusing on strict rules, I believe it is more important to adapt traditions to fit one’s living environment.
What About the Oni Mask?
The set also included an oni (demon) mask, which is often used during bean-throwing ceremonies.
This mask does not need to be displayed together with the holly leaves and soybeans.
While holly leaves and beans are meant to ward off evil, the oni mask represents the very spirit being driven away.
It can be enjoyed briefly on Setsubun for fun or photos, and then put away.
Understanding the meaning behind each item allows us to choose how we celebrate more thoughtfully.
Celebrating Setsubun Without Pressure
Celebrating Setsubun does not require strict adherence to every custom.
The heart of the tradition lies in preparing for a new season, letting go of negativity, and welcoming good fortune.
Choosing a way to celebrate that feels comfortable and sustainable can be just as meaningful—especially for adults with modern lifestyles.
This year, I embraced a quieter, no-pressure version of Setsubun, and it felt just right.
