Setsubun at Narita Shinshoji Temple

Setsubun at Naritasan Shinshoji Temple

(L to R) Sumo wrestlers Okinoumi Ayumi and Yokozuna Hakuho Sho throw beans during a Setsubun festival at Naritasan Shinshoji Temple on February 3, 2016, in Chiba, Japan.
Setsubun is an annual Japanese festival celebrated on February 3rd and marks the day before the beginning of Spring. Traditional celebrations involve throwing soybeans (known as mamemaki) out of the house to protect against evil spirits and into the house to invite good fortune.(Photo by Rodrigo Reyes Marin/AFLO)

Setsubun at Naritasan Shinshoji Temple

Ozeki Kisenosato throws beans during the festival. (Photo by Rodrigo Reyes Marin/AFLO)

Setsubun at Naritasan Shinshoji Temple

Visitors scramble to collect beans from Sumo wrestlers, a symbol of good luck. (Photo by Rodrigo Reyes Marin/AFLO)

Setsubun at Naritasan Shinshoji Temple

The celebration at Naritasan Shinshoji Temple is one of the biggest in Japan and organizers this year expect over 50,000 people to attend the event. Each year famous sumo wrestlers and actors are also invited to participate in throwing the beans. (Photo by Rodrigo Reyes Marin/AFLO)