"Fuku-wa uchi! Oni-wa soto!" - Good luck, come in! Devil go out!”
A farther wearing a devil mask is rushing out from the house with his head in his hands. Such scenes can be seen in Japanese families on February 3rd.

Setsubun, literally means division of seasons, representing a previous day of the first day of each unique season in Japan. On the Eve of 1st day of the spring by the lunar calendar, especially among four seasons, we throw dried and parched soybeans to drive out evils which easily are believed to harbor in houses at the time of changing of seasons and wish for health and safeness. It is said that this event was created through fusion of an annual event brought from China in the Imperial court to drive out devils or unlucky gods and a bean-throwing ceremony in shrines to drive out evil influence. Setsubun have been organized throughout Japan, differing from one place to another. Generally, we throw parched beans inside and outside houses and then eat as many as beans as our ages to pray for good health and good fortune for the year. Shouting of " Good luck in! Devil go out” will also differ by place; for example, Shouting of "Devil in, fortune out” will be replaced with "Devil in! Devil in!" or replaced with hanging sardine's head with holly leaves on the front doors as talisman ,because the thorny leaves of the holly and the fishy smell of the broiled sardine are believed to drive away evil spirits.

Setsubun-e held on the ground of Shinshoji-temple, Narita in Chiba prefecture is one of the well-known events throughout Japan.
Only on this day, over 40.000 visitors swarm into the temple to enjoy the bean-throwing ceremony by prestigious persons including Sumo wrestlers and famous actors / actresses.

In this temple, they shout only "Fortune in”, not shouting "Devils out", because it has Fudo-myo-o(Achalanaths or Immovable King), having a great mercy, as the principal icon of the temple, in front of which any devils have to change into non- devil ones under the influence of his awe.

As you may have known it in the last e-mail-magazine, Sunrise Tours 2007 will offer " Nartita Setsubun Tour". It is available within a single day from Tokyo and escorted by English-speaking guide. It is a typical winter scenery that a lot of people try to scramble for beans thrown in the air in the ground of the temple where all are breathing with whitish breathing-out air. It is also good opportunity to experience Japan more deeply. For details, please visit the following.