Setsubun (節分) is the day before the beginning of spring in Japan. It is customary in Kansai area to eat uncut makizushi called ehÅ-maki (æµæ–¹å·», lit “lucky direction roll”), a type of futomaki (太巻, “thick, large or fat rolls”), in silence on Setsubun while facing the year’s lucky compass direction, determined by the zodiac symbol of that year. This custom started in Osaka, but in recent years eho-maki can be purchased at stores in the Kanto area and it is getting more recognized as a part of Setsubun tradition. Charts are published and occasionally packaged with uncut makizushi during February.
EhÅmaki (æµæ–¹å·», “lucky direction roll”) is a roll composed of 7 ingredients considered to be lucky. The typical ingredients include kanpyÅ, egg, eel, and shiitake mushrooms. EhÅmaki often include other ingredients too.
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