Setsubun at Nagata Shrine in Kobe – Japanese Spring Exorcism Rite 節分

Setsubun is a Japanese Spring exorcism ritual where bad luck in the form of devils known as oni are driven away by a handful of beans. At Nagata Shrine in Kobe, however, the oni are the good guys and the messengers of the Shinto gods. They banish evil with fire and sword.

In the morning those who were play the oni do a cold water purification ritual known as misogi at the beach. In the afternoon they do a ritualize dance with torches and katana. Two of the oni have healing properties. They rub their mask then place their hands on a person’s head bestowing a blessing.