The day before spring begins is called setsubun in Japan. People celebrate by tossing dried soybeans from their homes and shouting “Oni wa soto! Fuku wa uchi!” ("Demons out! Luck in!").

In recent years, it has also become popular to eat ehomaki (lucky direction rolled sushi) on setsubun while facing the lucky direction specified by the zodiac. Those who eat the entire sushi roll silently from one end to the other without using a knife, which would severe their lucky connection, are said to enjoy good health and luck that year. The ehomaki tradition began in the 19th century in Osaka, where eating rolled sushi was associated with rolling in prosperity and good health. The local custom spread nationwide about 30 years ago when national supermarkets and convenience stores started selling ehomaki.

Osaka is still the best place to enjoy ehomaki as well as other renowned local cuisine. When visiting Osaka, why not stay at one of two Fujita Kanko Group hotels in the area? This summer, we will also open a new hotel in Osaka’s central Namba district. We hope to see you there.

■ Taikoen (Osaka)
For details, visit: https://www.taiko-en.com/e/

■ Kansai Airport Washington Hotel (Osaka)
For details, visit: http://kansai-ap.washington-hotels.jp/

■ Hotel Gracery Namba in Osaka (opens in the summer of 2019)
For details, visit: https://gracery.com/namba/