Casual — to friend
Cultural · Seasonal
You
明日は節分ですね。豆まきをしますか？
あしたはせつぶんですね。まめまきをしますか？
Tomorrow is Setsubun. Are you doing the bean-throwing?
Romaji: Ashita wa Setsubun desu ne. Mamemaki wo shimasu ka? / Reply Romaji: Hai, kodomo to issho ni yarimasu!
Reply
はい、子どもと一緒にやります！
はい、こどもといっしょにやります！
Yes, I'll do it together with my kids!
Gesture & etiquette
Casual, festive tone. Setsubun is joyful — especially for children. Convenience stores and supermarkets sell ehōmaki (ceremonial sushi rolls) that are eaten while facing the lucky compass direction for the year. Asking which direction someone's ehōmaki will face is a fun conversation starter.
Setsubun (February 3) marks the last day of winter before the traditional new year. The mamemaki ritual involves throwing roasted soybeans while chanting 'Oni wa soto! Fuku wa uchi!' (Demons out! Luck in!). Eating the number of beans equal to your age is said to bring good health for the year.