In Japan’s traditional calendar, there is a special day called Setsubun, which marks the changing of the seasons. Among these, the Setsubun that falls in February—on the day before the beginning of spring (Risshun)—is especially well known.
On this day, people take part in a custom called mamemaki, where roasted soybeans are thrown to drive away evil spirits and invite good fortune.
Another popular tradition of Setsubun is eating Ehomaki, a large sushi roll. It is said that if you eat the entire roll in silence while facing the year’s lucky direction (ehō), you will be blessed with good luck. Around Setsubun, Ehomaki can be found in many shops and supermarkets all over Japan.
The custom of eating Ehomaki while facing the lucky direction is believed to have originated among merchants in Osaka from the late Edo period to the early Meiji period. Thanks to its unique style and the fact that anyone—from children to adults—can easily join in, it became a nationwide boom relatively recently, around the 1980s.
Here at Michi-no-Eki Aso, we hear that the vendors who regularly prepare delicious boxed meals will be offering Ehomaki again this year. Although today is still one day before Setsubun, I already spotted some on sale. One in particular caught my eye: a perfectly sized Ehomaki made with Aso’s famous Aka-ushi (Aso brown beef).
One of the charms of Ehomaki is how luxurious they can be, filled with a variety of ingredients. Eating an entire roll without speaking a single word is surprisingly challenging—it definitely takes a bit of determination!
This year’s lucky direction is south-southeast, by the way.
*This photo is from a previous year.
If you are traveling in Japan right now, why not try this custom for yourself and take on the Ehomaki challenge? Let’s enjoy this unique seasonal event together. As a Japanese saying goes, “Good fortune comes to those who laugh.”
Let’s welcome spring with energy and good spirits!
Kana
