NITIA (Nagoya Institute of Technology International Association) organized SETSUBUN (Bean-Throwing Festival) event on 3 February. 80 participants including 50 international students enjoyed how to make EHOUMAKI (a long sushi roll) and tasted facing west-southwest, the lucky direction of this year. Also they experienced MAMEMAKI (scattering roasted soybeans to drive demons away).

What is SETSUBUN (Bean-Throwing Festival)?
Date: February 3rd or 4^th Place: All over Japan
SETSUBUN is the day preceding risshun that is the first day of spring according to the old Japanese calendar, or the so-called lunar calendar. On the day of SETSBUN, there is the custom of throwing roasted soybeans while chanting "In with Fortune! Out with Evil" in order to prevent evil ogres from entering one's house. It is believed that the ogres are warded off by throwing beans, and that good fortune will then come to one's home. On this day, events with entertainers and athletes are held at shrines all over the country. According to Japanese tradition, if you eat the same number of beans as your age, you will enjoy a year of good health.
(JNTO Japan: the official guide)