Simple Origami Soybean-Scattering Masu Box Roundup
Does anyone here do bean throwing for Setsubun?
It’s quite common to incorporate it as a seasonal event at places like kindergartens, nursery schools, or care facilities.
Some of you may also make related items as part of pre-event crafts or recreational activities.
In such cases, the masu (box) for holding the beans is easy to make with origami, so it’s a great option.
In this article, I’ll introduce how to make masu and bean boxes using simple folding methods.
There are various versions, so if any catch your eye, try making them together with children or older adults.
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Simple Origami Soybean-Scattering Masu Box Roundup
Oni-shaped bean container
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.
A masu box resembling the way of folding a paper crane
Many people have probably mastered how to fold a crane.
What I’d like to introduce here is a way to make a masu (box) that’s similar to the crane-folding method.
Because it’s quite close to the crane steps, even first-timers should be able to proceed smoothly.
Another characteristic of this idea is that it doesn’t finish as a perfect square, but rather in a slightly trapezoidal shape.
If you know how to fold a crane, definitely give it a try.
By the way, there’s also a variation where you skip folding in the four corners at the end and finish it in a diamond shape.
basic masu (measuring box)
The most standard masu box idea.
This one shows how to make a three-dimensional masu using a single sheet of origami paper.
It’s nice and simple—you just need origami paper.
However, the bottom tends to lift up, so it’s fine to glue it down.
If you make this masu and use it for throwing beans, you can enjoy Setsubun even more.
First, decide what color scheme you want.
Using patterned origami paper will give it a more stylish finish.
In conclusion
We introduced mainly simple folding methods for making origami bean-throwing boxes (masu).
There were various variations, so if any caught your eye, please give it a try! Be sure to enjoy it together with small children or elderly people.