Setsubun (節分) literally means “the day between two seasons.” People celebrate Setsubun on eihter the 3rd or 4th of February, the last day of winter, and the day before the spring season on the present calendar. Bean throwing, called mamemaki (豆まき), done at home on teh day of Setsubun. People scatter roasted soy beans inside and outside their houses shouting, “Evil out, fortune in.” Then they eat the same number of beans as their age and wish for good health.
NILS Students learning Japanese language in Japan also enjoyed mamemaki.

John-Taylor from the U.S. said,
“It isn’t every day you get to throw beans at your favorite teacher! ‘Demon out! Happiness in!’ We shouted as poor Fuchita-sensei was pelted in every place imaginable on his body. A very interesting moment in my life in Japan, but this is why I like Japan so much!!!”