Successful Setsubun Bean-Throwing Festival at Bishamonten Zenkokuji in Kagurazaka, Tokyo
The annual Setsubun Bean-Throwing Festival (Ceremony) was successfully held at Bishamonten Zenkokuji temple in Kagurazaka, Tokyo, this year.
With a forecast of snowfall, there were concerns about whether the event would proceed, but fortunately, it was held as planned, drawing a large crowd. Many visitors gathered on the temple grounds to enjoy this cherished Japanese tradition.
What is the Setsubun Bean-Throwing Ceremony?
The Setsubun Bean-Throwing Ceremony, known as "mame-maki", is a traditional Japanese ritual meant to pray for good health and ward off misfortune. Participants chant "Oni wa soto! Fuku wa uchi!" (Demons out! Fortune in!) while throwing beans to drive away evil spirits and invite good luck.
Originally practiced as a court ceremony, the custom spread to temples, shrines, and ordinary households during the Edo period (1603-1868).
Even today, Setsubun is widely observed across Japan, but at Bishamonten Zenkokuji in Kagurazaka, the event is made even more special with performances of Shishimai (lion dance) and geisha dance, creating a uniquely festive atmosphere.
Exciting Performances of Shishimai and Geisha Dance at the Kagurazaka Setsubun Festival
Before the bean-throwing ceremony, the event featured a shishimai lion dance, a sacred performance of Daikagura (traditional Japanese folk entertainment).
With the deep beats of taiko drums, the lion made a grand entrance, energetically dancing before the audience to ward off evil spirits. Children watched with excitement and joy as the lion pranced around, bringing blessings to those in attendance.
Next came an elegant performance by Kagurazaka’s hangyoku (apprentice geisha). Dressed in stunningly colorful kimono, the geisha gracefully danced to the rhythm of traditional Japanese music, mesmerizing the audience.
Although there were some audio issues during the performance, which was slightly unfortunate, the geisha still delivered a breathtaking dance that captivated the spectators. Experiencing a geisha performance up close, for free, at a traditional festival like this is one of the unique charms of Kagurazaka.
Finally, the Bean-Throwing Begins! Catching Fortune in the Air
Then, it was time for the much-anticipated bean-throwing ceremony!
With the enthusiastic chants of "Oni wa soto! Fuku wa uchi!", fortune beans were vigorously scattered from the stage, and visitors eagerly reached out to catch them. Children jumped excitedly while adults also joined in, smiling as they collected their share of good fortune.
As in previous years, Kagurazaka’s geisha also participated in the bean-throwing, turning the event into a lively, festival-like celebration. Fortunately, I managed to catch a bean thrown by a geisha. Many foreign visitors were seen enjoying the experience, capturing the moment with their cameras and fully immersing themselves in the tradition.
A Special Opportunity to Experience Traditional Culture in Kagurazaka
The Setsubun Bean-Throwing Ceremony at Bishamonten Zenkokuji is typically held every year on February 3rd, but this year, due to the calendar’s alignment, it took place on February 2nd.
This event reaffirmed the importance of preserving traditions in Kagurazaka, a historic district of Tokyo.
Despite concerns about snowfall, the festival was successfully held, allowing many people to share in the joy and blessings of the occasion.
I hope that more people will have the chance to experience the Kagurazaka Setsubun Festival next year!
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How to Access Kagurazaka
The Kagurazaka area is conveniently located within 30 minutes from any major station in Tokyo. This is because Kagurazaka is situated in the heart of Tokyo, at the center of the Yamanote Line. Please come and visit this convenient and charming Kagurazaka.
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