[Day Service] Setsubun decorations that bring smiles. Ideas for enjoying them with a variety of materials.

oni-bako (devil’s box); commonly refers to the plant Carex multifolia (a type of sedge) known as “Devil’s sedge” or “Oni-bako” in English transliteration

News like “switching plastic straws to paper ones” now feels normal, doesn’t it? It’s an important step toward building a sustainable society.

So how about making the bean containers used for Setsubun out of paper instead of plastic? It’s two birds with one stone, since even the time spent making the boxes is fun.

If you can fold an origami box, small differences in shape are fine.

Please draw fun illustrations of oni (ogres) or Otafuku on the boxes.

Tutorials for making a box called an “onibako” have been uploaded to video sites—be sure to check them out!

The demon of accordion folds

[Craft Idea] Setsubun Decorations: Accordion-Fold Oni (Traditional Japanese Decorations for February) (Wall Decorations) (Activities for Seniors, Occupational Therapy/OT, Daycare, Preschool) (Origami DIY)

In Japan’s old lunar calendar, the year began with Risshun (the first day of spring).

Risshun was considered a very important day, and the day before it—February 3rd, Setsubun—was essentially the equivalent of New Year’s Eve today.

Although Setsubun is a bit different from how it is now, let me introduce a festive ogre (oni) decoration suitable for this seasonal turning point, displayed on a fan.

To capture the fierce look of the oni’s face, the key is to use an accordion fold with origami.

An accordion fold is a method of folding paper by alternating mountain and valley folds like a folding fan.

It allows you to create the oni’s distinctive expression.

Attach the facial parts to the face, and then affix plum blossoms to the fan’s base.

It makes a wonderful piece not only for decorating facility walls but also to take home and display.

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Nakajima Junko

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Setsubun decorations for a stand frame

[100-yen store DIY] Finished in 10 minutes! Super easy Setsubun decoration tutorial

Why not make a lovely Setsubun stand frame to display in your entryway or living room? First, prepare a stand frame.

If you plan to add a photo later, a photo frame works too! Use stickers on the frame to arrange Setsubun-themed words.

Then simply glue on little figures like oni (ogres), Otafuku, or holly, and you’re done.

The design is up to you, so have fun creating it.

Adding a personal touch—like using real holly—could make it extra stylish!

An ogre ornament made from a paper tube core

[Setsubun Decorations] Making Ehomaki and Oni Ornaments

The cardboard tubes from toilet paper rolls are something you’ll find in any household.

We tend to throw them away, but they actually have some unexpected uses.

So here’s an idea: a little oni (demon) figurine made from a tube.

First, cut a piece of thick paper to the same diameter as the tube to make a lid.

Then treat the whole tube as the oni’s body: create horns and hair for the top, and add facial features below using yarn and felt.

Finally, wrap yarn around the lower part of the tube to make pants, and you’re done.

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yamamoto

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sanpō (a Japanese term meaning “three sides/directions”; also a traditional wooden offering stand used in Shinto/Buddhist rituals)

[Origami] Easy! How to fold a Sanpō (offering stand). A traditional origami that can be used for moon-viewing decorations, Setsubun, Hinamatsuri, and more.

Traditional pastimes like beanbags (otedama), beigoma tops, cat’s cradle, and spinning tops—if you’re an older adult, you probably got hooked on all of them.

These days there’s so much fun all around us that I wonder if fewer children play with origami.

Many seniors can probably fold a sanpō with origami—the wooden stand used at New Year’s to display rice cakes.

It’s perfect for holding beans on Setsubun, so let’s fold lots of them for the festival.

It would be wonderful to fold sanpō together and have the folding method passed down from children to grandchildren.

Ehomaki wall decoration

[Easy crafts with construction paper & origami♪] I tried making a Setsubun Ehomaki wall decoration! Free template | February | Winter

Ehomaki rolls are eaten on Setsubun.

They’ve become familiar to people all across Japan, but they originally seem to have been a custom centered in the Kinki region.

This is inferred from the expression marukaburi (“eat it whole”) being in the Kansai dialect.

So let’s make an Ehomaki wall decoration to get into the Setsubun spirit.

You can make it with just one set of colored construction paper, so you don’t need to be especially handy.

It could be fun to divide up the work and make a lot together when everyone gathers at a day service, for example.

You’ll use a lot of black paper for the nori (seaweed) part, so be sure to prepare extra black paper.

A flat square with origami

[Origami] Setsubun 'Masu (flat)' ~Oriya Komachi’s original origami~

Speaking of Setsubun, we throw beans, and we use a masu box to hold those beans.

A masu is not only a tool for measuring rice or sake; it is also sacred as a container for offerings to the gods and is considered an auspicious item.

This craft is inspired by the masu, which is indispensable for such Japanese events.

Since the finished piece is flat, it should be easy to use as a large decorative ornament.

Using a single sheet of origami paper, you fold it into a shape that looks like a square seen from the front.

By creating folds and layers of paper, gaps are formed where items can be inserted, which also gives it a three-dimensional look—this is the key point.

If you insert paper of a different color into these gaps, the color contrast enhances the three-dimensional effect and adds a festive look that makes it even easier to use for decorations.

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kappamaki

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