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[Childcare] A collection of craft ideas for enjoying Setsubun

As Setsubun approaches, nursery schools and kindergartens get busy preparing for bean-throwing.

Crafts that incorporate Setsubun-specific motifs—like oni (ogre) masks, bean boxes, and eho-maki—are a wonderful opportunity to deepen children’s interest in the seasons.

Here, we’ve gathered ideas for Setsubun crafts that you can enjoy using familiar materials such as origami, paper plates, and construction paper.

By drawing cute oni expressions or designing their own horns, each child can create a piece that shines with their individuality.

How about enjoying the Setsubun festivities while making things together with the children?

[Childcare] A Collection of Craft Ideas to Enjoy Setsubun (81–90)

bean container

[Childcare Craft] Perfect for Setsubun crafts! Bean holder made from a paper carton | Setsubun Handmade Bean Case
bean container

Bean-throwing, which carries the wish to drive away evil and invite happiness, is one of the most enjoyable events of Setsubun.

A bean container to keep the beans at hand is also an essential element of the celebration.

By making one from a paper carton, you can create a sturdy container that prevents the beans from spilling.

Wrapping the carton with construction paper and adding decorations, you might design a cute oni (ogre) to bring out the spirit of Setsubun.

Paying attention to the oni’s color and expression can help people feel attached to it, and by adding touches like a handle, you can also make sure it’s easy to use.

bean container box

How to Fold an Origami “Bean-Holder Box (Masu)” | Setsubun Decoration
bean container box

Mamemaki is the Setsubun event where beans are thrown to drive away demons (oni).

Some people enjoy dressing up as oni with family, friends, or teammates.

Wearing oni horns, striped pants, and carrying a metal club makes it even more festive, but how about making an item that lifts the mood for the bean-throwers too? Let’s make a simple box out of origami to hold the beans you’ll toss at the oni.

You can easily make it with just one sheet of origami paper, so try folding a few.

Once the box is folded, put beans inside and you’re all set.

This was an introduction to a bean-holding box that will make your Setsubun bean-throwing even more fun.

ogre mask

Craft Play: Let's make an oni (demon) mask out of a paper plate—perfect for Setsubun crafts.
ogre mask

This is a mask, using a paper plate, themed after the oni (ogre) that’s essential for Setsubun.

By having everyone make one—not just the person playing the oni—it may help people feel more familiar with the oni.

The project is simple: punch holes in a paper plate for the eyes, paint it, and attach hair and horn pieces.

It’s also fun because you can freely customize it—choose the oni’s color, the parts, and the expression.

How about making and wearing your own unique oni mask, then getting into character and playing as your very own oni?

Oni’s hat

Setsubun: Oni (demon) headpiece for 0-year-old, 5 months old
Oni's hat

For a February event, Setsubun, let’s make an ogre (oni) horned headpiece.

It’s a hat that both adults and children can wear, so it’s fun to make several in different colors.

You’ll need colored construction paper, colorful yarn, and an elastic band for wearing it.

Make the oni’s fluffy hair by bundling the yarn, then attach small horns made from the colored paper.

Finally, add the elastic band that goes around the head, and you’re done.

There are no difficult steps, and you’ll have a unique Setsubun item.

Enjoy making and wearing this playful oni hat!

ogre’s iron club

[February Setsubun Craft] Easy: Oni’s Club Made from a Plastic Bottle (Nursery/Kindergarten)
ogre's iron club

As the proverb “oni ni kanabō” (like giving an ogre a metal club) suggests, ogres and their clubs are inseparable! If you’re making an oni for Setsubun, why not make a club too while taking the proverb’s meaning into account? It’s very easy: roll up some newspaper into a stick shape and insert it into a plastic bottle, then cover the newspaper part with vinyl tape and the bottle with colored vinyl.

To mimic the club’s spikes, stick on some pom-poms, and you’re done! After making it, be sure to keep a close eye on playtime so no one gets hurt from swinging it around.

Oni’s hat

[Craft Play] Let's make a cute oni (demon) hat out of construction paper and wear it for Setsubun!
Oni's hat

This is a cute hat designed like an ogre, made from large construction paper.

Unlike a mask, it doesn’t cover the face, so it’s safer to play while wearing it—an important point.

There are some complex steps, such as folding along creases made in the paper, so providing support—like having them follow a sample—may be important.

It’s finished by attaching parts such as the ogre’s hair and facial features to a helmet-like base.

Letting them design their own ogre during this final step might make it easier to understand.

In conclusion

We introduced ideas for Setsubun crafts.

From demon masks and hats to bean boxes, each one truly enhances the festive atmosphere of Setsubun.

As you craft, take the opportunity to explore the origins and meaning of Setsubun with the children and enjoy this seasonal event together.

By wearing their very own original creations, may everyone have a memorable time during the bean-throwing celebration.