Early Bean-Throwing Ceremony at Osaka's Tsutenkaku Tower

Feb 01, 2024 | News On Japan

OSAKA - Ahead of the traditional Setsubun festival on February 3rd, Osaka's Tsutenkaku Tower hosted an early bean-throwing ceremony on February 1st, marking the event's revival after a four-year pause due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

「福は内～　鬼は外～」

The chant "Fortune in, demons out" echoed in front of Tsutenkaku Tower as participants engaged in the annual ritual, which had been on hold since the coronavirus was reclassified as a 'class 5 infectious disease'. The event saw the cast of the Shiki Theatre Company and others scattering about 1,000 bags of 'fortune beans'.

Wishing for health and to ward off evil spirits, Masataka Nishikami, President of Tsutenkaku Tourism, shared his thoughts: "With various events occurring since the new year, I hope this ritual can help Japan regain its energy and spirit."

Visitors, eager to capture an early dose of luck and happiness, participated enthusiastically in the event, symbolizing their hopes for health and prosperity in the coming year.

Source: YOMIURI

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