Known as “Setsubun”, February 3rd marks the last day of winter according to the traditional lunar calendar.
For centuries, the Japanese have been performing rituals on this day to dispel evil spirits and ensure good luck and health for the year to come, as it is believed to be the one day of the year where the spirit world comes closest to ours and demons are able to cross over. To chase them away, it is customary to throw beans out the door while chanting “oni wa soto, fuku wa uchi” (“devils out, fortune in”) and then eat the number of beans corresponding to one's age.

During the “Daijin-san” Setsubun festival, as it is affectionately known among Kofu locals, "mamemaki" bean-scattering rituals are performed at shrines across Kofu, bustling with people coming to pray for the prosperity of their family and their business, and the streets are lined with food stalls and booths selling a variety of good luck charms such as daruma dolls and bamboo rakes.
Be on the lookout for the demons coming out throughout the night!