If You Want to See Cherry Blossoms Now: Discovering Kawazu-zakura

Many Japanese guidebooks feature the iconic image of cherry blossoms—the familiar sight of pale pink petals filling the landscape from late March to early April. But it is now the end of February. If you are visiting Japan at this time of year, you might assume it is simply too early for sakura and resign yourself to missing them.

Before the Cherry Blossoms: Discovering Japan’s Plum Season

In a previous column, I introduced Japanese plum blossoms, those modest yet beautiful harbingers of early spring. While Japan’s flower-viewing culture is wonderfully diverse, cherry blossoms hold a uniquely special place in people’s hearts. Here is the good news: just as there are many varieties of plum trees that bloom over an extended season, the same is true for cherry blossoms. The sakura season is not limited to April.

Sakura Is More Than Somei-yoshino

The scene described above was captured today, February 28, along the Kyu-Nakagawa River in Tokyo’s Edogawa, where dozens of vibrant cherry trees are already in bloom. When people hear “Japanese cherry blossoms,” most immediately think of the Somei-yoshino, with its delicate, almost translucent pale pink petals. In modern Japan, sakura has come to mean Somei-yoshino for many people, and the dramatic spectacle of the trees bursting into full bloom all at once has come to define the beauty of hanami.

Each spring, news programs track the “blossom front” as it moves northward across the Japanese archipelago, and people carefully plan their schedules around its brief and spectacular peak. Yet cherry blossoms were not always confined to this single image. Japan is home to hundreds of varieties, many of which bloom earlier or later than the Somei-yoshino. In fact, the “sakura” celebrated in classical waka poetry was not the Somei-yoshino at all. This now-iconic tree is a relatively recent cultivar developed during the Edo period—an interesting detail that is often overlooked outside specialist circles.

Early Spring Along the River: Kawazu-zakura

The flowers currently blooming along the Kyu-Nakagawa are Kawazu-zakura, an early-blooming variety that has been gaining attention in recent years. First discovered in 1955 in the town of Kawazu, it is believed to be a natural hybrid. Unlike the nearly white petals of the Somei-yoshino, Kawazu-zakura blossoms are a much deeper pink. They typically bloom from early February to early March and, remarkably, can remain in flower for nearly a month.

Seeing these vivid pink blossoms lined along the river beneath a bright winter sky feels like a quiet declaration that spring has already begun, regardless of what the calendar says.

A rare sight: early-spring rapeseed flowers and cherry blossoms blooming side by side.

Large numbers have been planted in Kawazu itself, where seasonal festivals celebrate their bloom. Their vibrant color and extended flowering period have made them increasingly popular across Japan, and they are now often planted near well-known Somei-yoshino viewing spots as well.

A New Photo Spot in Tokyo

Their appeal is not limited to traditional hanami locations. Even at one of Tokyo’s newest landmarks, the Tokyo Skytree, a small number of Kawazu-zakura trees have been planted nearby. Though only a few in number, they have already become a striking photo spot, where the deep pink blossoms frame the soaring tower against the crisp late-winter sky.

The contrast between the vivid flowers and the modern skyline creates an image that feels distinctly contemporary, yet unmistakably seasonal. Such plantings suggest how early-blooming varieties can expand the visual and experiential calendar of spring in the city.

Rethinking the Image of Sakura

They also represent an appealing tourism resource, offering a longer window for visitors to experience cherry blossoms. International travelers have already begun gathering along the Kyu-Nakagawa to admire them. In this sense, Kawazu-zakura may gradually gain broader international recognition as an alternative expression of sakura, complementing rather than replacing the familiar image of Somei-yoshino.

For decades, the image of sakura has become almost inseparable from Somei-yoshino, with media coverage, tourism campaigns, and even our collective sense of the seasons revolving around its brief blooming period. Yet this intense focus may have unintentionally narrowed our perception of what cherry blossoms can be.

Perhaps it is time to rediscover the broader richness of sakura culture through the bold and somewhat untamed beauty of Kawazu-zakura. Japanese cherry blossoms are not a single fleeting moment; they are a season that unfolds gradually. From early bloomers like Kawazu-zakura, to the celebrated Somei-yoshino, and onward to late-blooming varieties, spring progresses in a graceful gradation of color and time.

If you find yourself thinking that it is “a bit too early for sakura,” take another look. Those blossoms, dressed in a slightly deeper shade of pink, may already be waiting for you. 

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Before the Cherry Blossoms: Discovering Japan’s Plum Season

When people think of viewing flowers in Japan, many immediately picture cherry blossoms in spring. But just a little earlier—around this time of year—another flower begins to bloom.

It is ume, the plum blossom.

If cherry blossoms are the highlight of spring, ume is the opening act. While the air is still cold, it quietly signals that the season is about to change.

This time, let’s focus on the elegant beauty of the plum blossom.

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A Wide Variety of Colors and Forms

Plum blossoms come in a surprisingly rich range of colors.

White blossoms have a pure, refined elegance, while red varieties bloom in vivid shades of crimson and deep pink. Some flowers begin with a stronger pink or reddish tone and gradually soften as they fully open.

Most plum blossoms have five small petals in a simple, single-layer form. But there are also double-petaled varieties with layered blossoms, and weeping types whose branches arch gracefully downward.

Though quiet and understated, the plum reveals remarkable diversity in its expressions.

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Not Just for the Eyes, but for the Scent

Plum blossoms are meant to be experienced through fragrance as well as sight.

As you walk through a garden, a sweet, slightly spicy, almost noble scent drifts through the air. Often, you notice the fragrance before you see the flowers themselves—that is part of their charm.

Cherry blossoms have almost no scent. The plum’s delicate and refined fragrance is one reason it has been celebrated in poetry and classical waka for centuries.

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Not All “Plums” Are the Same

In many Western countries, especially in Europe and North America, the word “plum” usually refers to the fruit-bearing European plum, most commonly Prunus domestica. These trees are cultivated primarily for their fruit. They do bloom, b

ut they have not been extensively developed for ornamental diversity in the way Japanese plum trees have.

Japanese plum, on the other hand, is Prunus mume. In English it is often called “Japanese apricot,” and botanically it is closer to the apricot than to the European plum.

In Japan, plum trees have been cultivated and refined for centuries within a culture that deeply appreciates flowers. As a result, many ornamental varieties emerged—red plum, white plum, weeping plum, and more.

Japanese plum is not only a fruit tree. It is a cultural flower tree, valued for its fragrance, form, and quiet presence.

Because plum trees are relatively easy to cultivate, they are also appreciated in potted form and even in bonsai displays.

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Before Cherry Blossoms, Plum Was “The Flower”

Today, “flower viewing” in Japan usually means cherry blossoms. Yet before the Nara period, when people simply said “flower,” they often meant plum.

Introduced from China, plum became a symbol of aristocratic culture. It represented learning, refinement, and cosmopolitan taste. It was considered the most sophisticated flower of its time.

As the centuries passed, the more flamboyant cherry blossom took center stage. Yet deep within Japanese culture, respect for plum still remains.

In Hanafuda, the traditional Japanese card game, each month is represented by a flower. The card for Month 2 is plum blossom—so instead of a printed number, the image itself tells you “two.”

What is Hanafuda?

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Beauty and Practical Use

Plum is not only for admiration.

In early summer, its fruit is harvested and used to make umeboshi (pickled plums) and umeshu (plum liqueur). These preserved foods support health and mark seasonal family traditions.

Plum embodies both beauty and practicality—an elegant presence deeply rooted in daily life.

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An Early Spring Flower You Can Enjoy for Weeks

The charm of plum lies not only in blooming in the cold, but in how long it quietly endures.

 With many varieties ranging from early to late bloomers, the season can last one to three months. Plum trees are resilient in the face of cold temperatures and relatively stable through weather changes, gently bridging the seasons.

By contrast, the iconic cherry tree Somei Yoshino blooms all at once, and its full glory lasts only about a week. Its brief and graceful fall has long been admired as the essence of beauty.

If cherry blossoms are a “moment of brilliance,” plum blossoms represent a “quiet, enduring strength.”

Blooming from February, often depicted against a backdrop of snow, plum flowers stand firm in the cold and support the long transition into spring. Their presence may well embody resilience itself.

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Where to See Plum Blossoms in Tokyo

Plum trees can be enjoyed in parks, gardens, shrines, and temples throughout Japan. In Tokyo, several famous spots stand out:

Kameido Tenjin Shrine

Known for its seasonal flowers, Kameido Tenjin Shrine is especially photogenic in plum season. Red and white blossoms frame the arched drum bridges that cross a serene pond, creating one of Tokyo’s most picturesque early-spring scenes.

The shrine was modeled after Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine in Kyushu. It is also famous for its wisteria in April and May, when cascading purple blooms transform the grounds.

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Yushima Tenmangu (Yushima Tenjin)

Yushima Tenmangu is well known for its white plum blossoms and elegant weeping varieties. Its annual plum festival attracts many visitors each year.

As a Tenjin shrine, it is especially popular with students praying for academic success. It has also become a place where people pray for success in competitions—whether in sports, business, or other personal challenges.

Ikegami Baien (Ikegami Plum Garden)

A public garden built on the former residence of a Japanese-style painter, featuring around 30 varieties and 370 plum trees. The name Baien literally means “plum garden” (bai = plum, en = garden), reflecting its identity as a garden devoted entirely to plum blossoms.

Other well-known locations include Koishikawa Korakuen and Mukojima Hyakkaen.

A Side Note:　Who Is Tenjin? The Story Behind the Plum

Both Kameido Tenjin Shrine and Yushima Tenmangu enshrine Sugawara no Michizane, a brilliant scholar of the Heian period who later came to be revered as the deity of learning.

Despite his accomplishments, Michizane fell victim to political intrigue and was exiled from Kyoto to Dazaifu in Kyushu, where he died in sorrow. Before leaving Kyoto, he composed a famous poem to the plum tree in his garden:

“When the east wind blows,
let it carry your fragrance to me,
O plum blossoms.
Do not forget to bloom in spring
just because your master is gone.”

According to legend, the beloved tree flew from Kyoto to Dazaifu to reunite with him. At Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine, there is still a plum tree said to be that very “flying plum” (tobi-ume).

Because of this story, plum blossoms became deeply associated with Michizane. Shrines dedicated to him—known as Tenjin shrines—almost always feature plum trees in their grounds. This is why both Kameido Tenjin and Yushima Tenmangu are especially famous for their plum blossoms.

Before the Cherry Blossoms

When tourists are still few, the air is crisp, and fragrance carries clearly through the gardens—this is the season of plum.

If you would like to understand Japanese spring more deeply, try visiting plum blossoms before cherry blossoms.

It may become a quiet encounter with another flower-viewing tradition that has continued since ancient times.

More seasonal stories →

Okachimachi Jewelry Town: Tokyo’s Hidden World of Gems

After enjoying street food and the lively buzz of Ameyoko Market in Ueno, you wander through the crowds—and suddenly, the atmosphere changes.

Small signs. Practical display cases.
From the ground floor to the upper stories of narrow buildings:
jewels, jewels, and more jewels.

Welcome to  Jewelry Town Okachimachi, one of the largest jewelry districts in Japan and a rare sight even by global standards.

Around 2,000 businesses connected to the jewelry trade are packed into this compact neighborhood.

Retail jewelry shops sit next to wholesale dealers.
Loose stones (uncut or unset gems), natural stone shops, workshops, repair studios, and buy-back specialists—all side by side.
Everything related to jewelry exists here, tightly concentrated in just a few streets.

Some of the local streets even have unofficial nicknames like Diamond Avenue, Sapphire Street, or Emerald Avenue (you won’t see them on Google Maps, but locals know).
Nearby Okachimachi Panda Square regularly hosts pop-up markets where neighborhood jewelers and stone dealers set up stalls.

Panda Square markets 　

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Where the World’s Gems Meet Japan’s Stones

Diamonds, sapphires, and gemstones from all over the world flow into Okachimachi.
At the same time, Japan’s own gemstones and minerals quietly play an important role here.

You may encounter:

• Jade from Itoigawa (Niigata)

• Rainbow Garnet from Nara

• Sugilite, first discovered in Ehime

• Akoya pearls, Japan’s iconic cultured pearls

• Rhodonite from Iwate

• Quartz from Yamanashi

• Coral from Japanese coastal waters

Here, global gemstone trade and the geology of the Japanese archipelago meet on the same street corner.
It’s an everyday scene—and a slightly magical one.

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Why Did a Jewelry Town Emerge Here?

Okachimachi was originally a craftsmen’s neighborhood.

The name comes from Okachi, low-ranking samurai in the Edo period who were not allowed to ride horses.
To support their families, many took on metalworking jobs—decorating sword fittings, making tobacco pipes, and crafting ritual objects for nearby temples and shrines.

These engraving and metalworking skills survived the end of the samurai era.
After the Meiji period, they naturally shifted from swords to jewelry.

The decisive turning point came after World War II.

Ueno became famous for its black markets, a place where imported goods could be found both “openly and quietly.”
Watches and precious metals—often from U.S. military surplus—were heavily traded.

Watchmakers and repair specialists gathered in Okachimachi, drawn by the need for precision skills.
As Japan’s economy grew and luxury goods diversified, jewelers followed—and settled.

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A Rare, Fully Integrated Jewelry District

After diamond imports were liberalized in the 1960s, Okachimachi evolved into a B2B-focused jewelry hub.

Within walking distance, you can find:

• Gem importers

• Precious metal dealers

• Cutting and repair workshops

• Appraisal offices

• Wholesalers supplying retailers across Japan

This level of vertical integration—all in one compact area—is rare anywhere in the world.

During Japan’s economic bubble in the late 1980s, vast amounts of high-quality diamonds and colored stones were accumulated here.
Some of them are still quietly waiting in back rooms and safes.

With the weak yen in recent years, buyers from around the world have returned.
Part of the romance of this town is knowing that priceless gems may be sleeping behind the most unassuming doors.

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Why So Many Indian Gem Dealers?

One of the most noticeable features of Okachimachi is the strong presence of Indian gem dealers—reportedly more than 100 shops.

The reason is simple.
India dominates the global gemstone cutting industry, especially for diamonds and colored stones.

By sourcing high-quality rough stones in Okachimachi and combining them with advanced cutting techniques back home, Indian dealers can create high value while keeping costs efficient.

This is great news for English-speaking visitors.
Many Indian-run shops offer friendly English service, are open to price discussions, and may even accept USD payments.

You don’t need to buy anything.
In fact, a great way to start is simply asking:

What kind of town is this?

What should I look for here?

You might walk away not only closer to a hidden gem—but with a deeper understanding of how this unique district works.
It’s an experience especially enjoyable for international visitors.

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“It Looks Intimidating”—And That’s True

As Okachimachi gains recognition, more people come searching for rare bargains or even gemstones for engagement rings during their honeymoon in Japan.

Still, this is not a polished tourist area.

Many shops look more like offices than stores.
Some are wholesale-only.
Some have no price tags.
Some operate only in Japanese.

Yes—it can feel intimidating.

But don’t worry.
There are clear entry points for beginners.

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Where to Start: Two Friendly Shops

Crystal World

An excellent first stop for travelers and natural-stone beginners alike.

You’ll find stones from Japan and abroad, handmade goods, handmade goods, prayer beads (juzu) bracelet, and traditional Japanese designs such as magatama that can be worn as-is.
Magatama: A Shape Japan Has Been Wearing for 7,000 Years

Upstairs, there’s a section dedicated to Japanese natural stones, perfect for discovering something uniquely local during your trip.

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Nirvana Stone

For those ready to go a little deeper.

This shop sources stones directly from mines around the world and carries one of Japan’s largest selections—over 200 types of natural stones.
Quartz clusters, loose stones, specimens—just browsing is impressive.

Natural stones starting from just a few hundred yen — displayed casually in outdoor wagons

GALA JEWELRY / g-Lab

A long-established jewelry shop with its own factory, offering everything from bridal rings to fashion pieces.
The attached café and community space, g-Lab, sometimes hosts workshops and events—making it an easy, friendly stop for visitors.

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A Different Face of Tokyo

Just a few minutes from Ueno Park, Ameyoko, and Akihabara,
you’ll find a very different side of Tokyo.

You don’t need to buy anything.
Simply walking these streets has value.

Here, you can feel the pulse of the global gemstone trade,
learn about Japanese craftsmanship,
and experience a place where professionals and travelers quietly cross paths.

Take a walk through Okachimachi Jewelry Town.
You may discover an unexpected sparkle—and a story worth remembering.

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Asakusa in the Snow: Tokyo’s Rare White Surprise

Sunday, February 8.
This morning, Tokyo woke up under a quiet blanket of snow.

Around Kaminarimon Gate, Sensō-ji Temple, and the five-story pagoda in Asakusa, the usual crowds and vivid colors feel slightly muted today. Instead, the district is showing a softer, whiter side of itself.

What’s falling isn’t the unpleasant, slushy snow mixed with rain.
These are large, dry flakes drifting slowly through the air — what we call botan-yuki, “peony snow,” named after its big, fluffy shape.

Many visitors are walking without umbrellas. Children reach out to catch the snow, some even trying to taste it, laughing as they go. It’s clear they’re enjoying a snowy Asakusa just as it is.

When people think of Tokyo, snow usually isn’t the first thing that comes to mind.
And it’s true — Tokyo is not a snow city. Winters are often sunny, even cold but clear.

Still, anyone who lives here knows the feeling:
Even when you think, “Maybe it won’t snow this year,” it usually does — at least for a few days.

Especially in recent years, there seems to be a shared sense among Tokyo residents:
Sometime around February, there’s usually one day when snow really falls and actually settles.

February: The Main Character of Tokyo’s Snow

That impression is supported by data as well.

According to recent figures from the Japan Meteorological Agency (2022–2024), Tokyo averages about 9.3 snowy days per year. By month, snowfall days are spread out, with January actually seeing the most days.

But when it comes to how much snow falls, February stands out.

Looking at long-term data from 1961 to 2022 (61 years), days with at least 1 cm of snow in central Tokyo totaled only 214 — already quite rare. Days with 10 cm or more? Just 41 in total.

Snow accumulation itself is unusual in Tokyo.

Yet when cumulative snowfall is broken down by month, a clear pattern appears:

• January: 493 cm

• February: 597 cm (the highest)

• March: 186 cm

• December: just 14 cm

In other words, Tokyo’s snow tends to arrive not often, but in heavier bursts — and mostly in February.

Every few years, there’s a snowfall people remember for a long time:

• February 2014: two major snowstorms, up to 27 cm

• January 2018: 23 cm

• February 2024: three snowy days, up to 9 cm

• February 2023: about 5 cm

Most years see only a few centimeters, or none at all. But February occasionally brings a scene that feels very unlike Tokyo.

This winter started early, too. On January 2, Tokyo’s first snowfall lightly whitened the streets — earlier than usual.

A White Christmas? Almost Never

December snowfall, on the other hand, is extremely rare.

Tokyo almost never has a “white Christmas.”
In fact, snow was recorded on December 25 only twice in the past several decades — in 1970 and 1984. For over 40 years, it hasn’t happened at all.

With warming winters, even the hint of snow in December has become unusual.

So in Tokyo, snow isn’t a December romance —
it’s a February surprise.

Tokyo Used to Be Much Snowier

In the 1940s and 1950s, Tokyo saw far more snow than today.

In February 1945, central Tokyo recorded 38 cm of snow — the second-highest on record. In 1951, it reached 33 cm. Back then, snowstorms frequently caused severe transportation disruptions and power outages.

Heavy snowfall continued into the 1960s–80s. In 1984, Tokyo experienced 27 snowy days and a maximum depth of 22 cm — a truly cold winter by Tokyo standards.

Seen in this historical context, today’s snowfall is relatively mild.

Why Snow Can Still Disrupt Tokyo

A practical note for travelers.

Despite being one of the world’s largest cities, Tokyo isn’t particularly strong against snow. Even a few centimeters can lead to train delays, cancellations, and highway closures.

Every time it snows, people ask:
“If trains run in heavy snow elsewhere, why does Tokyo struggle?”

The reason isn’t poor infrastructure. Simply put, Tokyo doesn’t snow often enough to justify permanent, snow-country-level equipment. Cities built around winter conditions operate under very different assumptions.

Snow especially affects:

• Private railways and suburban JR lines

• Elevated tracks and through-services

• Buses and airport access

On snowy days, Tokyo’s famously precise transportation system slows down — prioritizing safety over punctuality.

Tips for snowy days:

• Allow extra time for long-distance travel and airport access

• Mornings are usually smoother; disruptions increase toward evening

• Staying in walkable areas like Asakusa, Ueno, or Ginza can be a smart choice

Don’t Be Disappointed by Snowy Tokyo

Snow can be inconvenient — but it also reveals a quieter, more photogenic side of the city.

Shrines and temples feel more solemn, gardens turn into white landscapes, and even places like Roppongi or Shibuya can look cinematic as neon lights reflect off falling snow.

For international visitors, snowfall in Tokyo is a rare experience.

If snow appears during your trip, it may not be bad luck at all —
it might be Tokyo showing you a side of itself that only appears once in a while.

Don’t expect the city to run perfectly.
Slow down, take a walk, and enjoy the moment.
That’s the best way to experience Tokyo on a snowy day.

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Bean Throwing vs. Ehomaki Setsubun in Japan Today

February 3, Asakusa, Tokyo.
At Sensō-ji Temple, famous figures throw roasted soybeans toward the crowd, praying for good health and protection from misfortune. This is mamemaki—bean throwing—one of the key rituals of Setsubun(節分), a traditional Japanese seasonal event.

The word Setsubun literally means “the division of seasons.”
Today, it refers to the day before the beginning of spring, usually around February 3.

The origins of Setsubun can be traced back to ancient China, where rituals were performed to ward off evil spirits. After the custom reached Japan, similar practices were adopted at the imperial court during the Heian period (794–1185). At that time, a ritual called Tsuina was performed to expel harmful spirits. Modern Setsubun traditions are believed to have grown out of these ceremonies.

Demon Slaying  With Beans

The most well-known Setsubun custom is mamemaki, or bean throwing.
As beans are thrown, people chant “Oni wa soto, fuku wa uchi”—
“Demons out, good fortune in.”

In other words: bad luck, leave the house; happiness, come inside.

The oni(鬼)—demons or ogres—are among the most familiar figures in Japanese folklore. Modern readers may instantly think of the anime Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba (『鬼滅の刃』). Yes—those demons.

Traditionally, soybeans are believed to possess spiritual power as an agricultural staple. They symbolize purity and protection, and are used as a kind of weapon to drive away evil.
Not with swords—but with beans.

Mamemaki is considered a uniquely Japanese custom. Its exact origins are unclear, but it became established among the aristocracy in the medieval period. By the Edo period (from the 17th century onward),  it had spread widely among ordinary people and became a household ritual that families could easily perform at home.

Even today, many families continue the tradition. As Setsubun approaches, supermarkets sell packages containing roasted soybeans and oni masks. One adult plays the role of the demon, while children throw beans at them—an annual scene familiar across Japan. There is also a saying that eating the same number of beans as your age will bring good health for the year.

In addition, temples and shrines across the country host large public mamemaki events. In places like Asakusa, actors, sumo wrestlers, and other celebrities often take part. For safety, individually wrapped beans or sweets are usually thrown instead.

The Rise of Ehomaki

In recent years, however, another Setsubun custom has rapidly gained popularity: ehomaki.

On Setsubun, people eat a whole sushi roll while facing the year’s ehō—the lucky direction. The rule is to eat it silently, without speaking, until it is finished.
In 2026, the lucky direction will be south-southeast.

Ehomaki is now widely known across Japan, but as a nationwide tradition it is relatively new. In Tokyo, it is said to have become popular only after the 2000s. The author, for one, did not encounter the custom until adulthood.

Originally, ehomaki was practiced only in limited areas of western Japan, such as Kyoto and Osaka, particularly among merchants and within the world of geisha. In the Kansai region, sushi industry groups are said to have promoted the custom, and by the 1970s it had begun appearing in supermarkets.

What truly brought ehomaki nationwide attention was the role of convenience stores. Sales campaigns tied the custom to seasonal marketing, and within a short time, ehomaki became a familiar part of Setsubun across the country.

Easy-to-eat ehomaki at a convenience store, from classic styles to tuna-mayo rolls.

Especially in Tokyo, the practice is sometimes described with a dry sense of humor as “a tradition invented by convenience store chains.”
There may also be a touch of local pride behind the joke—isn’t this really a Kansai custom, not a Tokyo one?

Still, given modern housing conditions and busy lifestyles, eating a sushi roll is often easier than throwing beans.
As a result, recent surveys suggest that more households now observe Setsubun with ehomaki rather than mamemaki.

And perhaps—just perhaps—it is also because a sushi roll simply tastes better than a handful of roasted soybeans.

A ritual of throwing beans to drive out demons, and a relatively new food tradition centered on sushi.
Today, Setsubun stands at the crossroads of these two customs—mamemaki vs. ehomaki—making it a uniquely Japanese seasonal event shaped by both history and modern life.

More Japanese Events →