Out with demons! In with fortune!

VOL.21

February 2025

Out with demons! In with fortune!

Out with demons! In with fortune!

Around February 3rd, a traditional Japanese event called Setsubun is held. This day marks the eve of the beginning of spring according to the old lunar calendar and was an important occasion for people in the past. Even today, the custom of bean-throwing is practiced during Setsubun to ward off evil and invite good fortune.
The beans used for this ceremony are roasted soybeans, referred to as “fortune beans.“ In many households, demon masks are prepared, and family members, often children, take on the role of the demon. During bean-throwing, people throw beans around their homes, shouting, “Out with demons! In with fortune!” They throw beans outside to drive away evil spirits and inside to welcome good fortune, focusing on doorways, windows, and other key areas.

Out with demons! In with fortune!

Yasaka Shrine hosts special rituals and a bean-throwing ceremony every year. After a purification ritual to ward off bad luck, participants throw beans to invite good fortune. The event is lively with both locals and tourists, and it’s made even more special by the participation of maiko and geiko in their elegant attire. This traditional celebration is uniquely Kyoto, offering a graceful and charming atmosphere that attracts many visitors.

What's in this box

  • Strawberry Kuzumochi Jelly

    Strawberry Kuzumochi Jelly

    This kuzumochi is made with Yoshino Kuzu from Nara and blended with strawberries from Fukuoka, a region renowned for its high-quality strawberries.

  • Lucky Beans for Setsubun

    Lucky Beans for Setsubun

    This set features roasted soybeans and sugar-coated bean snacks, made from soybeans grown in Kyushu, known for their rich flavor and high protein content. Packed in a traditional paper Masu box, this product is well-suited for enjoying an authentic yet convenient Setsubun bean-throwing experience. Celebrate the fun of Setsubun with your family and friends!

  • White Shrimp Rice Crackers

    White Shrimp Rice Crackers

    This delicious kakimochi is made with glutinous rice as the main ingredient and infused with the flavor of white shrimp, a specialty of Toyama Bay. It delivers a crisp texture with a subtle, savory salad seasoning, making it an ideal snack to enjoy with tea.

  • Butter Rice Cracker

    Butter Rice Cracker

    The pentagonal shape of this treat is inspired by the "naruko," a traditional Japanese tool used to protect rice fields. With its light and crispy texture, it’s a snack that can be enjoyed by everyone, from the elderly to the young. Although it may look hard at first glance, it is surprisingly soft and has a cookie-like flavor.

  • Citrus Rice Dumplings

    Citrus Rice Dumplings

    Packed with the finest citrus flavors from Ehime, also known as Japan's citrus kingdom. The iyokan peel and mikan from Ehime are blended with premium sugar, creating a refined sweetness in the bean paste. Presented in an adorable box featuring Mican, the cheerful mascot of Ehime.

  • Raisin Sweet Fried Snack

    Raisin Sweet Fried Snack

    Karinto with a unique raisin-honey syrup, blending fruity richness with a delicate, melt-in-your-mouth texture.

  • Soft Sponge Cake Cocco

    Soft Sponge Cake Cocco

    This fluffy and delicious steamed cake, filled with creamy milk custard, comes in adorable packaging. Egg-based steamed sweets are rare, and this one features a special milk cream designed to perfectly complement the soft egg dough.

  • Black Bean Paste Jelly

    Black Bean Paste Jelly

    The Kuro Yokan is a contemporary take on classic Japanese yokan, infused with the luxurious taste of cacao. It blends the rich sweetness of brown sugar with the subtle bitterness of premium cacao, offering a sophisticated and unique flavor experience.

  • Gluten-Free Rice Matcha Cake

    Gluten-Free Rice Matcha Cake

    This gluten-free matcha cake features a soft and moist texture, made with high-amylose rice from Niigata Prefecture. In addition to rice flour, rice gel is used to create a unique flavor and texture unlike any other. It’s a safe and delicious choice for those with wheat allergies.

  • Japanese Green Tea Bag

    Japanese Green Tea Bag

    These tea bags are made from high-quality sencha grown in Shizuoka Prefecture, known as one of Japan's leading tea production areas.

  • Japanese Black Tea Bag

    Japanese Black Tea Bag

    This Japanese black tea is blended with refreshing lemongrass, featuring a pleasant citrus aroma and a light, soothing flavor that promotes relaxation. Each tea bag is individually wrapped with an “Appreciation” message, making it an ideal way to express your gratitude.

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