Spring begins in Japan: Setsubun, Obake and kimono colors
- by MaedaYumiko
- 3 min reading time
Setsubun – a Japanese custom that welcomes spring
In Japan, February 3rd is known as Setsubun (節分) .
Setsubun is a traditional festival celebrated on the day before Risshun , the beginning of spring according to the Japanese calendar. It is a custom to ward off evil spirits and misfortune and to ask for health and happiness for the coming year.
In Japan, it has long been believed that "negative energies" or misfortune can more easily enter the home during the transitions between seasons. To ward these off, Setsubun is celebrated. Illnesses, misfortune, or disasters are symbolically represented as "oni" (demons/devils) – and roasted soybeans are thrown at them to drive away the evil.
People often shout:
"Oni wa soto! Fuku wa uchi!"
("Demons out! Luck in!")
Setsubun and kimono
Setsubun might not be the kind of occasion that automatically brings kimonos to mind – like New Year's or cherry blossom season, for example. Nevertheless, Setsubun is also a festival that marks the arrival of spring .
That's precisely why incorporating spring-like colors into your clothing is so fitting for this day. Instead of dark winter tones, light, soft colors are particularly suitable – for example , delicate pink, fresh green, or a gentle yellow . Such shades bring lightness and underscore the mood of new beginnings.
Setsubun in Kyoto: the “Obake” custom
When I lived in Kyoto, I learned about a very special Setsubun custom: “Obake” .
On February 3rd, people who work night shifts – including Geiko (Kyoto geishas) – dress up in costumes. They appear at evening events or walk through the streets in disguise.
At the time, I worked for a company that rented out historical costumes. Therefore, I had the opportunity to witness Geiko wearing unusual, historical garments that day – quite different from her usual outfits. It was a wonderful experience to be able to assist her, and it remains one of my fondest memories from that time.
Ehomaki – a Setsubun meal for good luck
Setsubun also includes Ehomaki , a special sushi roll.
It is filled with ingredients meant to evoke the Seven Lucky Gods (Shichifukujin) . Ehomaki is eaten while facing the lucky direction (Eho) of the respective year – and this is said to bring good luck.
Traditionally, you're not supposed to speak until you've finished eating. I still remember how we all tried to stay serious and not burst out laughing while we ate in silence.
Conclusion: Setsubun as a small new beginning
Setsubun is a typical Japanese custom to ward off bad luck and welcome spring. The changing of the seasons is celebrated with bean throwing and ehomaki – a small but significant new beginning.
Even though Setsubun is not a classic kimono occasion, the day can be wonderfully used to welcome the coming season with bright colors and spring-like tones .