Setsubun2026 · Date · History · Messages
Japan National Tourism Organization material describes Setsubun observances held each year on 3 February at the cited tradition site.
About Setsubun
Setsubun is a Japanese seasonal observance associated today chiefly with the day before Risshun, the traditional beginning of spring. In 2026, Japan’s National Astronomical Observatory calendar places Setsubun on February 3 and Risshun on February 4.
Because the underlying rule is astronomical/calendrical rather than a permanently fixed Gregorian date, future-year dates should be checked against an authoritative Japanese calendar.
Why Setsubun matters
The best-known customs include mamemaki, in which roasted soybeans are scattered while calling for good fortune and driving out misfortune, and regional or modern customs such as eating ehomaki.
Practices vary by household, shrine, temple and region, so one local custom should not be presented as the sole national form of Setsubun.
History of Setsubun
The National Astronomical Observatory explains that “setsubun” originally referred to the day before each seasonal division, but in modern usage it chiefly means the day before Risshun.
The date can shift. For example, the authoritative 2021 calendar placed Setsubun on February 2 and Risshun on February 3, while the 2026 calendar places Setsubun on February 3 and Risshun on February 4.
What the evidence establishes
Confirmed institutional roles and milestones are shown first. Details that could not be established from the reviewed sources are listed separately below.
8 fields not established in reviewed sources
How to Observe Setsubun
Check the authoritative calendar date for the year you are observing.
Learn about mamemaki and other Setsubun customs from reliable cultural sources.
If visiting a shrine or temple event, follow its published etiquette, access and safety guidance.
Avoid treating one regional practice as universal to all Japanese households or communities.
Setsubun Facts
Setsubun means a seasonal division or the day before a seasonal turning point.
Modern Setsubun is chiefly tied to the day before Risshun.
Setsubun fell on February 2 in 2021, showing that February 3 is not an immutable rule.
The authoritative 2026 date is February 3.
Mamemaki is a widely recognized Setsubun custom, while details vary by community.
Setsubun Messages
Wishing you a meaningful Setsubun and a bright beginning to the coming spring season.
May Setsubun bring a fresh sense of renewal, good fortune and seasonal connection.
Celebrate Setsubun with respect for the traditions and local customs that give the day its character.
Topic and context
What this page does not assume
- Keep the source-defined country, community, organizer or institutional scope; do not silently broaden it.
- Do not treat the title alone as proof of government recognition or public-holiday status.
- Do not add a creator, founding story or origin claim unless the supporting evidence establishes it.
Evidence & sources
Sources used across the guide are gathered here. Labels show how each source supports the page, and contextual references are kept separate from primary evidence.
Government of Japan — Setsubun cultural overview (opens in a new tab)
Government Cultural Overview
National Astronomical Observatory of Japan — 2026 calendar phenomena (opens in a new tab)
National Observatory Calendar
National Astronomical Observatory of Japan — 24 Solar Terms and Setsubun (opens in a new tab)
National Observatory Calendar Authority
National Astronomical Observatory of Japan — 2021 calendar notes (opens in a new tab)
Understand it, compare it, then explore further
Start with the most common factual questions, then compare closely related observances and explore useful connections.
Frequently asked questions
When is Setsubun?
3 February 2026 (day before Risshun; future years require calendar refresh) The documented recurrence rule is: Day before Risshun; 2026 authority-calculated edition is 3 February 2026.
Does Setsubun fall on the same date every year?
Not automatically. This date is specific to a particular edition and should be confirmed for another year.
Is Setsubun an official public holiday?
The reviewed sources verify it within this scope: Japanese seasonal tradition associated with the transition toward spring. That recognition does not by itself make it a statutory public holiday; the site only makes public-holiday claims when reliable evidence explicitly does so.
Who established or recognizes Setsubun?
The documented basis is: Japan National Tourism Organization material describes Setsubun observances held each year on 3 February at the cited tradition site.. Supporting evidence includes National Astronomical Observatory of Japan — 24 Solar Terms and Setsubun. The site does not infer a separate creator or founder unless reviewed evidence establishes one.
Is Setsubun international or country-specific?
No single country is assigned to this observance. Its documented scope is: Japanese seasonal tradition associated with the transition toward spring. Use that scope rather than assuming worldwide or country-specific status.
How is this page verified?
The factual information is checked against reviewed sources, including the date pattern, scope and institutional history. This page was checked on 2026-09-07.
When is Setsubun in 2026?
Japan’s National Astronomical Observatory calendar places Setsubun on February 3, 2026.
Is Setsubun always February 3?
No. It is tied to the day before Risshun and can shift; for example, it fell on February 2 in 2021.
What is Risshun?
Risshun is the traditional seasonal marker for the beginning of spring in the Japanese calendrical system.
What do people do for Setsubun?
Mamemaki is a widely recognized custom, and some people also observe food or shrine and temple traditions; practices vary.