On the night of February 2, 2026, the eve of Setsubun (Setsubun), a "Tsuina" ceremony was held at Yoshida Shrine in Kyoto City's Sakyo Ward, known as Kyoto's "Omote Onimo" (front demon gate). Despite the bitter cold, large crowds flocked to the shrine grounds to watch as three demons symbolizing misfortune were driven away.
A little after 6:00 PM, red, blue, and yellow demons appeared on the grounds, roaring and howling. The red demon, symbolizing anger, threatened worshippers by brandishing a roughly 1.5-meter-long iron club.
A "Hosoushi" (four-eyed masked figure) circled the stage, cornering the demons with a spear and shield. "Shokei" (elder nobles), men who turned 60 this year, fired reed arrows at the demons with peach wood bows, driving them away.
The Oina ceremony is a Shinto ritual that originated from an imperial court ceremony that has been held since the Heian period, and is also called Oniyarai. On February 3rd, the Karo Festival is held, in which old talismans and amulets are burned.
