Setsubun

February 3rd, which is one day before Risshun (the first day of spring according to the lunar calendar), is called Setsubun in Japan. It's not a national holiday, but mame maki (bean throwing) ceremonies are performed on Setsubun. Traditionally, people throw roasted soy beans at home, shouting "oni wa so to" (get out demons) and "fu ku wa uchi" (come in happiness.) These beans are called fuku mame (fortune beans.) It is believed that people can be healthy and happy if they pick up and eat fuku mame the number equal to their ages
This was the display at the convience store where I got our beans. Another sign showing the evil spirit being hit by beans

Some beans that I bought.

These are the masks that you were as you are the evil spirit

kid beans, so they can throw

I'll take pictures and post them when we do our mamemaki