Setsubun and Genmaicha Roasted Rice Tea

February 2, 2025, marks Setsubun, a traditional Japanese event where people scatter roasted soybeans to drive away evil spirits and pray for a year of good health. Another well-known custom of Setsubun is eating Ehomaki, a special sushi roll. This year, the lucky direction ("Eho") is southwest by west. Eating Ehomaki in silence while making a wish is believed to bring good fortune.

What is Setsubun?

Setsubun originally refers to the seasonal division days in Japan’s calendar, which fall on the day before the beginning of spring, summer, autumn, and winter. Among these, the day before Risshun (the beginning of spring) is considered the most important, marking the start of a new year and the expulsion of evil spirits.

In ancient times, demons (oni) were thought to bring disasters and illnesses. To ward them off, people perform Mamemaki, the ritual of scattering roasted soybeans while chanting, "Oni wa soto! Fuku wa uchi!" ("Demons out! Fortune in!"). This act is believed to cleanse negative energy and invite good fortune into the home.

The Origins of Ehomaki

Ehomaki is a Setsubun tradition that originated in the Kansai region. 

Ehomaki often contains seven different ingredients, symbolizing the Seven Lucky Gods (Shichifukujin) and inviting good fortune. When eating Ehomaki, there are three important rules to follow:

1. Face the lucky direction.

2. Eat in silence while making a wish.

3. Finish the roll in one go (as cutting it may "cut" your luck).

By following these customs, it is believed that good fortune will come your way.

The Perfect Tea for Setsubun – ISSO Genmaicha

To complement your Setsubun meal, enjoy a cup of ISSO TEA’s Genmaicha.

The toasty aroma of roasted rice in Genmaicha pairs harmoniously with the flavors of Ehomaki, providing a refreshing and balanced finish. Additionally, the roasted rice used in Genmaicha is believed to have the same power to ward off evil as the roasted soybeans used in Mamemaki, making it an ideal tea for this occasion.

Celebrate Setsubun while embracing Japanese traditions and wishing for a year of good health and happiness.

Explore ISSO TEA’s Genmaicha Roasted Rice Tea here.