Boost Your Wealth with Inari Sushi on the 2025 Setsubun Festival
The Setsubun Festival in 2025 falls on February 2nd, arriving a day earlier than usual for the first time in four years. Setsubun is a traditional Japanese festival, known for customs such as bean-throwing (mamemaki) and eating ehomaki (fortune rolls). However, this year, there's another food to focus on for Setsubun: Inari Sushi. It is said that eating Inari Sushi can boost your wealth.
The Connection Between Setsubun and Wealth
Setsubun is celebrated on the day before Risshun (the beginning of spring) according to the traditional Japanese calendar. It is considered the end of the year in the lunar calendar, and it is believed that fortunes shift on this day, making it an ideal time for boosting wealth. In 2025, Setsubun is also a "Great Auspicious Direction Day," which means that actions taken on this day to improve fortune are especially effective.
Boosting Wealth with Inari Sushi
Inari Sushi is characterized by its golden aburaage (deep-fried tofu) and is known as a food that can enhance wealth. Eating Inari Sushi with your family on Setsubun can help improve your wealth. When eating Inari Sushi, it is more effective to make a wish while eating. For example, you can wish for "increased income" or "a year without financial worries."
Auspicious Actions for Setsubun
Bean-Throwing (Mamemaki)
Bean-throwing is a staple activity of Setsubun, symbolizing the expulsion of evil spirits. After the bean-throwing, enjoy Inari Sushi. For the bean-throwing, start from the room in the "northeast" direction from the center of your home and proceed clockwise. The key is to shout "Oni wa soto!" (Out with the demons!) twice when throwing beans outside and "Fuku wa uchi!" (In with good fortune!) three times when throwing beans inside, making sure to say "Fuku wa uchi!" one more time.
Eating Inari Sushi
After the bean-throwing, gather your family and eat Inari Sushi together. The golden aburaage in Inari Sushi is known as a wealth-enhancing ingredient. Making a wish while eating can further boost your wealth.
Visiting a Local Inari Shrine
Visiting a local Inari Shrine on Setsubun can also enhance your wealth. If there is no Inari Shrine nearby, face the direction of Fushimi Inari Taisha, the head shrine of Inari, in Kyoto, and make a wish.
Tips for Boosting Wealth on Setsubun
Eat One Extra Bean for Good Fortune
There is a custom of eating a number of beans corresponding to your age on Setsubun. To boost wealth, the key is to eat one extra bean. While eating, wish for "a healthy and prosperous year" to enhance both health and wealth.
Place Accessories in the Bean-Throwing Bag
Placing accessories such as watches or rings in the bag used for bean-throwing can enhance wealth. After the bean-throwing, place the bag with the accessories in the "demon's gate" direction of your home.
Conclusion
Setsubun is a traditional Japanese festival and also an ideal time for boosting wealth. This year, you can enhance your wealth by eating Inari Sushi. In addition to eating Inari Sushi, practicing auspicious actions such as bean-throwing can further improve your wealth. To fully enjoy this year's Setsubun, it is important to be aware of these customs and prepare accordingly.