Yo-Kai Watch setsubun kits
Yo-Kai Watch setsubun kits
Trends - Combini Watch
The traditional bean-throwing ceremony in the age of anime
Much to the surprise of visitors, cardboard demon masks are a regular sight in convenience stores and supermarkets this time of year, as families with young children prepare for the annual Setsubun bean-throwing ceremony. "In with good luck, out with demons" is shouted during the ceremony by children as they pelt a mask-wearing demon (or parent) with dried soybeans.
This traditional rite seems to have suddenly entered the age of anime, as 7-Eleven is marketing setsubun kits (soybeans, mask and a square cup to hold the beans) featuring mischievous characters from the enormously popular Yo-Kai Watch anime and videogame franchise playing the role of demon.
The special kits, from candy company Denroku, are Y200, while a regular Y100 bag of soybeans (at 7-Eleven and elsewhere) usually comes with a free, somewhat more old-fashioned demon mask.
The special kits, from candy company Denroku, are Y200, while a regular Y100 bag of soybeans (at 7-Eleven and elsewhere) usually comes with a free, somewhat more old-fashioned demon mask.