Nagato no Setsubun 2023

dispel evil spirits with a whale

February 3 (Thursday) is Setsubun. Bean-throwing, ehomaki, and other Setsubun-related events are held all over Japan.
Setsubun in Nagano is associated with "whale. In Yamaguchi Prefecture, it is customary to eat something big to ward off evil spirits during Setsubun, and whale is served on Setsubun tables mainly in the Kaoyo district of Aomi Island, which used to be the center of old-style whaling.

Setsubun menu at ordinary homes in the △Tong district. The upper right is "Whale stewed in miso

Whale meat can be purchased in Nagato City at "Roadside Station Senza Kitchen" and other stores in the city. Please try it for yourself.

Whale meat corner in "Roadside Station Senza Kitchen

Raw whale meat is also sold on the market on the day of Setsubun.

In addition to whale meat, the △Senza Kitchen also sells "devil's sticks" manufactured by Toraya, a confectionery store in the city. This menu item is also representative of Nagato's Setsubun menu.

Related Links

Nagato City Whale Museum