Setsubun (節分) at Sakitori Jinja (前鳥神社) & Hiratsuka Hachimangū Shrine (平塚八幡宮)

Setsubun (節分) is a traditional Japanese event observed on the day before the start of spring, according to the traditional Japanese calendar, typically falling on February 3.

The highlight of Setsubun is mamemaki (豆撒き), or bean throwing, which is tossing roasted soybeans while chanting, "Oni wa soto! Fuku wa uchi!" (鬼は外！福は内！) — "Demons out! Good fortune in!"

Some Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples, such as Naritasan Shinshoji and Ikegami Honmonji, invite celebrities to perform mamemaki, often making headlines during this season.

In Hiratsuka, Setsubun celebrations were held at Sakitori Jinja (前鳥神社) and Hiratsuka Hachimangu Shrine (平塚八幡宮).

Mamemaki at Sakitori Jinja

Mamemaki at Hiratsuka Hachimangu Shrine

At Sakitori Jinja, a lantern displays this year's zodiac sign, the dragon, along with cranes, Mount Fuji in red, pine trees, and a heavenly maiden.

Lantern displayed Sakitori Jinja