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Setsubun; the day before the start of spring
A traditional Japanese event held on February 3rd (occasionally February 2nd), marking the transition from winter to spring in the old calendar. People throw roasted soybeans to drive away evil spirits, shouting '鬼は外、福は内' (Demons out, fortune in).
Originally referred to the day before any seasonal division, but now almost exclusively means the day before 立春 (start of spring), falling on February 3rd. Key customs include 豆まき (bean-throwing) to expel 鬼 (demons), eating 恵方巻 (thick sushi rolls) while facing the year's lucky direction, and eating the same number of beans as one's age. At temples and shrines, celebrities and sumo wrestlers are often invited to throw beans at public events.