It will soon be Setsubun. I thought the year started just a few days ago, and a month is about to pass in the blink of an eye.
Every year, various shrines and temples in Kyoto and other parts of Japan hold events to invite good fortune by scattering soybeans, which are believed to purify evil spirits.
In Kyoto City, the "Oni-no-Mai" (Demon Dance) is held at Heian Shrine, where evil demons enter through the Otenmon Gate and rampage through the shrine grounds; the "Oniyarai Shinji" (Oniyarai ritual) is held at Yoshida Shrine, where red, blue, and yellow demons appear in the shrine grounds and on the approach; and the "Oni-odori" (Demon Dance) is held at Rozan Temple, where three demons in red, blue, and black perform unique dance routines.
The photo shows lucky beans at Yasaka Shrine.
The first prize is awarded for a fee of 300 yen, and the lucky beans come with a prize fukuwiki ticket with no empty lot, and every year there are luxurious prizes such as electrical appliances, bicycles, etc.
This year, however, the omicron strain is raging and some events are being canceled.
So why not enjoy Setsubun with Japanese sweets that can be taken out?
Kin-ton with an ogre motif
The first wagashi are two kinds of fresh confections made of kinton (a type of Japanese confectionery) with motifs of red and blue demons, and a toororo manju (a type of Japanese cake made of grated yam) with an image of a square.
This is a long-established Japanese confectionary store founded in 1893 with its main store in Matsubara Muromachi.Suehomi Kyoto ConfectioneryMade in.
This Japanese confectionery, trusted by tea masters, shrines, and temples, has many fans not only for its taste but also for its refined aesthetics.
Inside the kinton is a smooth and delicate strained bean paste. White beans are sprinkled on top for a different flavor and texture.
Motifs tend to be too specific and comical, but this abstract atmosphere is very elegant and chic.
Tororo manjuu with Otafuku motif
Next.Kyoto Confectioner Tsuruya YoshinobuThis is a Japanese yam, Tororo manjuu, made by "Tororo". The design here is also a very abstracted expression, but the exquisite curves and the strange balance make it instantly recognizable as Otafuku, which shows the underlying strength of this long-established shop.
Otafuku" is a character from a Kyogen play that has been performed since the Edo period (1603-1867), and has become an indispensable character for Setsubun because it calms and soothes a rampaging demon.
Inside the yam grated yam dough, which has a firm and plump texture, is moist strained bean paste. It is a simple taste that makes you realize the use of high quality ingredients. Let's enjoy it with a wish for health and happiness.
Okame and Oni no Okashi
Lastly, I would like to introduce you to the "pleasure houseIt is a dry confectionery of the "Mere Old Man".
It is made in the shape of an Okame and an ogre, in reference to the Okame Setsubun Festival, during which a kyogen (a comic story about an ogre) is dedicated at the Senbon Shakado Hall to exhort the ogre. High-quality wasanbon sugar from Tokushima is used for its refreshing sweetness and pleasant aftertaste.
Since it lasts for a long time, it makes a great souvenir or small gift!
This Setsubun, in addition to eating ehoumaki rolls and throwing beans, why not enjoy sweets featuring ogres, otafuku, and squares?
