SETSUBUN : One of Japan's annual event

 February 3rd is known as Setsubun in Japan. It has long been believed that spring will arrive after this date. However, this is only a tradition, as it is still cold in Japan in February, and we do not really feel the arrival of spring until April.

By the way, did you know that we Japanese become "Demon slayers" on this day? At home, we slay demons. Not with swords, but with soybeans.

Soybeans are used in a traditional Japanese container called a "masu", which is an ancient method.
 Note that this is a masu of my favorite character, the samurai cat "Nyanmage". Isn't he kawaii?

The whole family would throw beans at the person wearing the devil's mask (gently, of course!) while saying "Oni wa soto, Fuku wa uchi" (a demon is outside, a god is inside). The role of the demon is often played by the father. The demon who is hit by the beans pretends to leave the house and says, "Ouch, ouch".
This is based on an anecdote about a monk who used to slay demons with roasted beans.

This is a kind of role play to visualize and expel bad things in the house that are usually invisible. It is a ritual to dispel bad things in the house (i.e., daemons) and at the same time purify the bad feelings in the hearts of those who live there.

Then, when the house and mind are clear, they eat soybeans for the number of their age plus one. It is said that doing this will keep you healthy.

However, I have been eating the same number of soybeans as my grandparents since I was a child😜 As you know, I like snacks. 

The soybeans are not seasoned in any way, but the unique flavor and crunchy texture of the soybeans is delicious. They are roasted and dried, so the thin skin is crispy and the beans are hard. It is healthy and filling.

Soybeans eaten during setsubun are also an ancient Japanese snack. yum yum😋