Photos | Images of Japan: Shrine priest dispensing beans at Setsubun festival
Setsubun (節分) is the day before Spring in Japan and roughly coincides with Chinese New Year. It is traditional to throw beans ((豆撒き; mamemaki) during Setsubun to dispel evil spirits and welcome in the new season. Many Shinto shrines throughout the country hold special Setsubun festivals.
Photos | Images of Japan: Shrine priest dispensing beans at Setsubun festival