The buster of ogres who wears a golden, four-eyed mask and red garment.

 Setsubun festivals are held all over Japan on February 3rd every year. Have you ever seen the legendary buster of ogres who wears a golden, four-eyed mask and red clothing, and has a shield and a spear?

This legendary buster of ogres is called Hosoushi.  He plays an important role in the Setsubun festival held at the Japanese shrines.

A shrine staff is helping him put the mask on.　

He is waiting for the opening of the ritual. In his left is the Mayor of Nagahama City, and afterwards, the mayor will play an important role.

The ritual is about to start!  He has a spear in the right hand and a shield in the left.

First, he turns left and move forward a little, then clashes his shield and spear together to make a sound and roars in loud voice to chase away ogres.　Next, he turns right and center, does the same action.

Afterwards, the Mayor of this City wearing the historical garments of Heian period shoots arrows in three directions to repel ogres.

After the rituals, they begin what we are waiting for. They toss the baked beans, candies, rice cakes and snacks.  Participants eagerly try to catch the snacks that are tossed by them.

I held my hat upside down, trying to catch the snacks. But it was difficult to catch them.

Here are my spoils of war!