Welcome to Nekodate!
Winter is ending, and in Japan, that means it is time for “Setsubun.”
Celebrated in early February, Setsubun marks the day before the beginning of Spring.
It is a festival of cleansing, where people drive away evil spirits and welcome good fortune.
But how do they do it?
They throw roasted soybeans! And they eat giant sushi rolls!
It sounds strange, but our AI cats are ready to show you how it’s done.
1. The “Oni” Cat (Demon Cosplay)
The main event of Setsubun is “Mamemaki” (bean throwing).
People chant “Oni wa soto! Fuku wa uchi!” (Demons out! Luck in!) while throwing beans at someone dressed as an Oni (ogre/demon).
Usually, Oni are scary.
But when a cat plays the role?
It’s just adorable.
Here is our little “Demon Cat.”
He is wearing the traditional red Oni mask (perched on his head like a hat) and a scarf with a tiger-skin pattern, which is the standard fashion for Japanese demons.
He doesn’t look very evil—he just looks ready for treats.
2. The Bean Battle (Mamemaki)
For humans, throwing beans is a ritual. For cats, it is the ultimate game.
In this action shot, our AI cat is participating in the bean throwing… by trying to catch them mid-air.
Roasted soybeans (Fuku-mame) are flying everywhere.
To this cat, the “evil spirits” are less important than the joy of swatting at flying snacks.
3. The Giant Sushi Roll (Ehomaki)
The second tradition is eating “Ehomaki,” a long, thick sushi roll.
The rule is strictly challenging: you must eat the whole roll in silence, while facing the year’s “lucky direction.”
We asked the AI to give this cat an Ehomaki.
The result is a massive, delicious-looking sushi roll filled with tuna, egg, and cucumber.
This cat is facing the lucky direction, ready to feast.
Since cats can’t talk anyway, keeping silent should be easy for him!
Spring is Coming!
Setsubun is a fun, slightly chaotic reminder that warmer days are coming.
Through these AI images, we hope you enjoyed a glimpse of this unique Japanese tradition.
Did our “Demon Cats” scare you?
Or did they just steal your heart?
Looking for more cat photography?
Check out our full Cat Photo Blog (English) archive.
