In Japan, we cherish the beginning of each season, called “Setsubun.”
Setsubun means to divide the seasons. It is the day where the Winter ends and the Spring begins.
Risshun (the first day of spring) is the most special day among the four seasons. It is so important that back in the day, Japanese New Year was set to this day.
On Setsubun, people believed that “Oni,” (a devile-like creature from Japanese folklore) comes and we will have various rituals to ward them off, such as sowing beans and eating ehomaki.
This year, the Setsubun is on February 2nd, which is the first time in 124 years.