The 2nd is the first setsubun on February 2nd in 124 years due to the calendar.
At Usa Jingu in Usa City, Oita Prefecture, we stopped sowing beans as usual to prevent infection with the new coronavirus, and instead distributed prayer beans to worshipers.
At Usa Jingu in Usa City, Oita Prefecture, it is customary to sow prayer beans in a bag of priests at Setsubun every year.
However, this year, in order to avoid the crowds of worshipers, he stopped sowing beans and instead handed out prayer beans to those who worshiped in a corner of the precincts.
This year, he said that he considered canceling all the events of Setsubun, but there were many voices wishing for the end of the new coronavirus, so he decided to reduce the events.
A woman in her 80s in Bungotakada City, Oita Prefecture, said, "I participate in the Setsubun Festival every year, so I'm glad I got some beans. I'll go home and sprinkle on the front door."
Muneryu Yamamoto, a priest, said, "The corona sickness has made it different from the usual year, but I hope that we will have a good year with the demons and the new coronavirus."