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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
National
Eugene Hoshiko

Photos of Hakone Shrine marking Setsubun with bean-throwing to ward off evil spirits

Japan Spring Ritual Photo Gallery - (Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved)

Scores gathered at a shrine in Japan’s Hakone to try and catch “lucky beans,” hoping to ward off evil spirits as they celebrate the last day of winter in the Japanese lunar calendar.

Setsubun is also known as “mame-maki,” or bean-throwing. It falls around Feb. 3, on the eve of Risshun, marking the beginning of spring in Japan.

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