setsubun

some time in the past the Japanese celebrated the start of spring as the start of the new year. So before the end of winter they hold a festival to ward of all the evil spirits to start the new year clean. We went to a small festival at Yamazaki just north of Osaka. There's people dressed up as the devil and people chase them away. It seems the highlight of the festival is when the 7 gods throw mame (beans) into the crowd. If you manage to catch one you start the year with good luck. Most people get a bit desperate and things get a bit rough. Some people even resort to picking them up of the ground. I copped a few elbows and flying hands but it was all a good laugh.

even the animals getting in on the act. One thing i've noticed in
Japan is if there's a cute dog anywhere, women of all ages go nuts. The
dogs must get really pissed.

the 7 gods. well it would be if i got them all in the shot. so just
imagine there's another 3.

this is after the festival. The good people
had chased him out of the temple.

people were using everything to try and
catch the beans. You can see in the top left the
woman throwing the packets of beans.

just a wider shot of everyone using jumpers, jackets, hats,
bags, beanies and children to catch the beans.

just the entrance to the temple.