So you’ve found yourself in Japan with kids, and February 3rd rolls around. Suddenly, everyone’s talking about throwing beans, scaring off demons, and eating an absurdly long sushi roll in total silence. Welcome to Setsubun, one of Japan’s quirkiest and most entertaining holidays! As a foreign parent, you might be wondering what’s going on and how to get in on the fun. Don’t worry—I’ve got you covered.

1. You Get to Chuck Beans at Your Kid (Yes, Really)

In what might be the most satisfying parenting moment ever, Setsubun involves pelting roasted soybeans (called fukumame) at demons—who are often played by none other than your loving spouse or even your kid. The idea is to drive out bad luck and welcome good fortune by shouting “Oni wa soto! Fuku wa uchi!” (鬼は外! 福は内!, meaning “Demons out! Luck in!”). This chant is a crucial part of the tradition, so make sure to teach it to your little ones!

If you’re lucky, your kid’s school will already have prepped them for this and they’ll be all in. If not, just tell them it’s like a mini food fight with a purpose. Trust me, they’ll be on board in no time.

2. Your House Will Smell Like Roasted Soybeans for Days

Once you’ve enthusiastically yeeted beans all over your living room, congratulations! You now have a floor full of tiny, crunchy landmines waiting to be stepped on at 2 a.m. The good news? You’re supposed to eat as many beans as your age (plus one for extra luck), so start snacking and enjoy this little tradition—even if it means chewing through an entire bowl if you’re “vintage.” The bad news? Those beans are going to show up in mysterious places for weeks—inside the couch, under the fridge, in your kid’s schoolbag, or even inside shoes you swore you cleaned last week. Just embrace it because, let’s face it, it’s all part of the chaotic charm.

Pro tip: to make cleanup a little easier (and to preserve your sanity), some families toss the beans in doorways and windows rather than letting them ricochet off every surface in the house. Others opt for “fake bean throwing” with packaged soybeans that are easier to gather. But hey, where’s the fun in that?

Where to buy beans? Almost any supermarket or convenience store (konbini) in Japan will sell them in the seasonal aisle in the days leading up to February 3rd. These beans often come in fun Setsubun-themed packaging, and some even include an oni mask for bonus entertainment! If you’re shopping on a budget or looking for last-minute supplies, 100-yen stores like Daiso or Seria are also great places to stock up.

3. Your Kid Might Have a Fear of Oni Forever

At many kindergartens and preschools, teachers dress up as oni (ogre-like demons) and burst into classrooms to terrorize children. The idea is to create a fun and slightly spooky atmosphere where kids can “conquer” their fears by fending off the oni with beans. It’s all in good fun (well, mostly), and kids are expected to participate by hurling roasted soybeans at the costumed staff or volunteers, shouting, “Oni wa soto! Fuku wa uchi!” to drive away bad luck.

Reactions from kids? They’re as varied as you can imagine. Some kids laugh uncontrollably and treat it like a game, gleefully tossing beans with all their might. Others cry, hide behind their teachers, or cling to their parents in sheer panic. Some kids might even take the oni costumes a little too seriously, leading to plenty of post-event bedtime questions like, “Are oni real?” or “Can oni get inside our house?” The correct foreign parent response? “Not if we throw enough beans.” And if your kid starts making anti-oni booby traps around the house, just roll with it. It’s part of the charm.

For parents looking to join the fun (or traumatize—er, entertain—their kids), dressing up as an oni yourself can be a riot. Here are some great places to grab a costume:

• Don Quijote (a.k.a. Donki): This popular discount chain is a one-stop shop for all things Setsubun. During the season, you’ll find oni masks, horns, wigs, and even full outfits—from simple and affordable to hilariously over-the-top.
• Amazon Japan: Perfect for last-minute planners, Amazon Japan has a range of oni costumes and accessories delivered straight to your door. Look for sets that include masks, club props, and themed clothing. Just make sure to double-check reviews and shipping times if you’re cutting it close.
• Cosplay Shops in Ikebukuro: Tokyo’s Ikebukuro district is famous for its cosplay stores. While it’s more commonly known for anime-related costumes, many shops stock seasonal and holiday-themed outfits too. If you’re looking for something high-quality or want to take your oni look to the next level, this is the place to go.

Want to level up the experience even more? Try pairing your oni costume with some props, like a foam club (kanabo) or fake fangs, to really sell the part. Just don’t be surprised if your little one starts practicing their bean-throwing aim on you all year round!

4. Ehomaki: The Sushi Roll Challenge of Silence

Now, let’s talk about ehomaki, the gigantic sushi roll you’re supposed to eat in total silence while facing the “lucky direction” of the year. This direction changes annually based on the Chinese zodiac, and for 2025, the lucky direction is West-Southwest.

Where to get your hands on an ehomaki? Supermarkets, convenience stores, and department store food halls (depachika) all sell them in the days leading up to Setsubun. Many stores even offer fancy versions with premium ingredients like eel, crab, or wagyu beef.

If you have a chatty toddler, good luck keeping them quiet. If you have a competitive partner, they’ll turn it into a speed-eating contest. Either way, it’s an excuse to eat delicious sushi, so no complaints here.

5. It’s Basically Halloween, but in Reverse

Instead of getting candy, you throw food. Instead of dressing up as monsters, you chase them away. And instead of spooky stories, you tell your kids that throwing beans will save them from misfortune (which, to be fair, is just as dramatic).

The best part? You get to participate in a totally unique cultural tradition while creating hilarious family memories. Plus, if you’re feeling ambitious, you can even take your kid to a temple for a Setsubun festival, where actual sumo wrestlers and celebrities sometimes throw beans to the crowd. Major temples like Sensoji in Tokyo and Yasaka Shrine in Kyoto host grand events with costumed oni, performances, and, of course, tons of beans.

Embrace the Chaos of Setsubun

If you’re a foreign parent in Japan, embrace Setsubun. It’s wacky, it’s fun, and it gives you a rare chance to yell at imaginary demons while legally throwing food in your house. And let’s be real—after a long day of parenting, sometimes that’s exactly what you need.

So grab those beans, don your best ogre mask, and get ready for some chaotic, joyful, and totally unforgettable family fun. Oni wa soto! Fuku wa uchi!