Setsubun festivals held across Japan

(Photo by Yoshio Tsunoda/AFLO)

People across Japan celebrated Setsubun or Bean-Throwing festival today.
Setsubun is celebrated each year on February 3rd marking the day before the beginning of Spring.

(Photo by Yoshio Tsunoda/AFLO)

Japanese families throw soybeans out of the house to ward off evil spirits and into the house to invite good fortune.

(Photo by Natsuki Sakai/AFLO)

Temples across Japan hold their own events and crowds try to catch the lucky beans that are often thrown by sumo wrestlers and celebrities.

(Photo by Natsuki Sakai/AFLO)