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Japan marks end of winter with bean-throwing ceremony (8 images)

By Wade Sheridan

Japan marks the beginning of spring in the lunar calendar with a traditional bean-throwing ceremony at Shimo Shinmei-tenso Shrine in Tokyo on Sunday. The beans represent vitality and the driving out of demons that bring misfortune and bad health.



Local celebrities throw beans during the traditional bean-throwing ceremony at Shimo Shinmei-tenso Shrine in Tokyo on February 2, 2025. Photo by Keizo Mori/UPI
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A costumed demon throws beans to children. Photo by Keizo Mori/UPI
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Children try to catch bags containing lucky beans. Photo by Keizo Mori/UPI
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The tradition is known as Setsubun. Photo by Keizo Mori/UPI
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