"Tsuina-shiki," or a traditional ceremony for warding off three demons, was held on the evening of February 2, the eve of "Setsubun" which marks the end of winter. The ceremony took place at Yoshida Jinja Shrine, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto, which is regarded as Kyoto's "front demon gate." It was held for the first time in three years due to the COVID-19 pandemic. A large crowd of worshippers watched the event.

Tsuina-shiki has its roots in the ceremony originally performed in the Imperial Court during the Heian Period. A Shinto ritual was taking place in the shrine precincts, when red, blue and yellow demons, representing anger, sorrow and agony respectively, appeared, roaring and brandishing iron clubs to threaten the worshippers. Then, "Hososhi," or a person who is believed to possess the power to exorcise plagues, hunted them down, and the priests and others shot arrows to drive them away.

On February 3, the "Karo-sai" or fireplace ceremony, was held to burn talismans and amulets. The schedule was not announced to control COVID-19 infection.