In Japan, there is a ceremony called Mame Maki on February 3rd, which is similar to our Shabbat.

On Shabbat, we pray to Allah for forgiveness of our sins or negativity and for good fortune or positivity.

Like us, the Japanese also perform this ceremony to remove negativity and welcome positivity.

Mame Maki in Japan is a custom that is celebrated on the eve of the arrival of spring (usually February 3rd) to ward off evil spirits. In this event, fried soybeans (fuku-mame) are usually thrown at "oni" or ghost-like people or negetivity . and the chant "Oni wa sato! Fuku wa uchi!" (鬼は外! 福は内!) is said, which means "Ghosts ( negetivity) out! Good luck in!".

Festival: Setsubun (Spring Arrival).

Main activity: Throwing fried soybeans (Mamemaki).

Purpose: To ward off evil spirits (oni) and to invite good fortune (fuku).

Tradition: This ceremony is performed at home or at a temple with family and community.

Food: For good fortune, a long sushi roll called "eho-maki" is eaten whole without cutting, facing a specific auspicious direction.

                                            Long sushi roll called "eho-maki

This custom is very popular in Japanese culture, which wishes for health and prosperity at the beginning of the new year.