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.
- Simple origami that can be folded from a single sheet
- [For Seniors] Liven Up Setsubun Crafts! Handmade Ideas Using a Variety of Materials
- [For Kids] Let's Fold! Today's Origami Idea Collection
- A box made from flyers: practical and stylish ways to fold boxes
- For New Year’s! A collection of fun origami ideas to make, decorate, and play with in childcare
- [Origami] Have fun with kids! A collection of easy snowman origami ideas
- Let's make it with origami! Ideas for simple 3D creations
- Easy origami acorn folding method
- [For Kids] Easy to Fold! Origami Ideas for Hinamatsuri (Girls’ Day)
- [Easy] Origami of fruits that are in season in autumn. Designs and decorations also introduced!
- [For Kids] Recommended in March! Easy Origami Ideas for Hinamatsuri (Girls’ Day) and Graduation Ceremonies
- [For Kids] Simple and Cute Origami Ideas to Enjoy in February
- Simple: A roundup of origami ideas perfect for Christmas
Simple Origami Soybean-Scattering Masu Box Roundup
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.
rectangular box
I also recommend making a rectangular box with origami.
It has a simple structure where you fold the paper from four directions to form the walls.
It seems easy to remember how to make it.
Another nice feature is the wide opening, which makes it easy to put things in and take them out.
Of course, you can use it for beans, but making another one to use as a lid would also be convenient.
You can do the same not only with origami paper but also with larger sheets like flyers.
Once you learn it, I think it will come in handy in many everyday situations.
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 simple masu made using scissors
Using scissors makes it much easier to make a masu box.
First, fold the origami paper in half twice.
Then, along either the left or right crease, make a cut with the scissors and remove that strip.
That’s all you need the scissors for.
From here on, it’s just folding to form the box.
This method has fewer steps than the usual way, so once you get the hang of it, you should be able to finish in about two minutes.
If you want to make a lot of boxes, why not master this method? By the way, if you want to add patterns with a pen, it’s best to do it while the paper is still folded.
A lidded box made from a single sheet of origami paper
How about making a lidded box out of a single sheet of origami paper? First, turn the paper over and fold all four corners toward the center.
Next, fold it into thirds, then open it up once and fold it into thirds from the other direction as well.
After that, assemble the paper along the creases you’ve made so far, and you’ll have a lidded box.
However, as it may come undone as is, be sure to glue it to keep it together.
It’s palm-sized, which gives it a cute look.
You can put beans or other small items inside, and it would also be fun to make them in various colors and line them up for display.
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.
A lidded masu box made with 8 sheets of origami
For those who want to try a slightly more complex masu structure, I recommend the idea of a lidded masu made from eight sheets of origami.
In this project, you literally weave together eight pieces of paper to assemble a single masu.
You also make a lid, so you can store beans in it or, after Setsubun, use it as a small container.
Another charm of this origami is that the eight-piece combination allows for a variety of designs.
Using green and black to create a checkered pattern like ichimatsu is a nice option, too.
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.