[Childcare] A collection of craft ideas for enjoying Setsubun

Oni Mobile

Let’s make a perfect Setsubun-themed mobile using motifs like ogres (oni), Setsubun beans, and holly-and-sardine (hiiragi iwashi) charms! The hanging oni parts can be folded from origami or cut out of construction paper—either is fine.

Have the kids make lots of them and stick the uniquely expressive oni onto strings.

Setsubun lasts only one day, but by enjoying the crafts, you can have fun in the days leading up to bean-throwing day, too.

If you attach strings to a holly-and-sardine piece made from origami or straws for the top bar, it will look even more like a Setsubun wall decoration!

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

yuri

Report a problem

Oni-shaped bean container

[Origami for Setsubun] How to Fold an Oni Bean-Holder Box [With Voice Commentary] Easy with One Sheet! Practical Origami You Can Use for Bean-Throwing

When it comes to Setsubun, many people probably picture oni (demons).

Traditionally, the Setsubun oni symbolized calamity and evil spirits, but in recent years they’ve become familiar, iconic characters.

With that in mind, let me introduce a cute oni-shaped bean holder.

It’s made of origami, with the inside of the oni’s head hollow so you can put beans in it.

Viewed from the side, it looks like a clasp purse, and a nice feature is that you can close the “mouth” when not in use.

It’s an idea that balances both design and functionality.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

yamamoto

Report a problem

illustration

[How to Draw Illustrations] Setsubun: Let’s draw a cute oni (demon) illustration

Kids don’t usually get many chances to think, “I want to draw an oni (Japanese ogre)!” So let’s draw one for Setsubun, the time of year when oni come up in conversation.

First, draw a round outline for the oni’s face and mark points all the way around it like a clock.

From 10 o’clock to 2 o’clock, draw a fluffy cloud shape, and add two little mountain peaks within the cloud to make the oni’s hair and horns.

Draw ears at the 9 o’clock and 3 o’clock positions, then add the facial features in order.

It’s also a great idea for the teacher to prepare a sample illustration in advance and let the children enjoy coloring it in!

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

yuri

Report a problem

Sketchbook Theater

[Sketchbook Theater] Setsubun Finished in 10 Minutes! Easy How-To for Preschool Teachers

Let’s make a fun kamishibai-style interactive item using a sketchbook that can explain Setsubun bean-throwing with simple instructions.

It will spark interest in Setsubun, help children understand the meaning of mamemaki, and make the event enjoyable—so try making it not only at home but also in nursery schools and kindergartens.

Each time you turn a page, you’ll find colorful illustrations and lots of playful pop-up features that will surely captivate the children.

Use origami, colored construction paper, and color pens to install simple mechanisms and complete an exciting sketchbook.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

nikki

Report a problem

paper puppet theater

Origin of Setsubun to Tell Children and Recommended Paper Puppet Theater

Do you know what a “peep-show puppet theater” (peep-sart) is? In Japanese, “peep-sart” refers to a paper puppet show—a puppet theater made of paper.

You attach sticks or similar handles to paper character puppets and move them in time with the story.

These paper puppet shows are very popular in nursery schools and kindergartens.

Of course, you can also make them at home and enjoy them with your child.

Seasonal events in February, like bean-throwing Setsubun and ogre-chasing games, can also be played using this peep-sart.

After you create ogre illustrations with colorful origami or construction paper, try giving them lively movements.

You can turn them into a puppet show, or simply stick them on the wall—both are great options.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

nikki

Report a problem

pochette

Setsubun: Making an ogre-themed bean-holder pouch from a milk carton

It’s a cute little demon-themed pochette that will make you want to carry not just Setsubun beans but all kinds of small items! Cut a milk carton to a size that makes it easy for children to put their hands in and take things out.

Leave one side longer so it can serve as the flap of the pochette.

Next, cover the sides with construction paper in your favorite colors, and attach horns, hair, and facial features so that when the flap is closed, it looks like an oni face.

Add a string so it can hang from the neck, and you’ll be all set to enjoy bean-throwing to the fullest!

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

yuri

Report a problem

lease

[Origami] How to Make a Setsubun Wreath [With Voice Commentary] Cute Ideas for Setsubun Decorations!

This is a Setsubun wreath featuring motifs that evoke Setsubun and the New Year, such as Otafuku masks, ogres (oni), holly with sardines, and plum blossoms.

Make four zigzag-shaped pieces from origami and combine them into a ring to form the wreath.

Then simply fold Otafuku and oni from origami and decorate the wreath! If folding is difficult, you can also cut each motif from colored paper and glue them onto the wreath for an equally charming result.

Once you learn the base wreath, you can enjoy various arrangements to match the seasons.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

yuri

Report a problem