Three devils are driven off by "Hososhi" in the "Tsuina-shiki" ceremony on the eve of Setsubun (6:20 p.m., February 2, Yoshida Jinjya Shrine, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto)

The annual event "Tsuina-shiki," or a ceremony to drive away evil spirits on the eve of Setsubun, took place on February 2 at Yoshida Jinjya Shrine in Sakyo Ward, Kyoto. When three devils raised battle roars, howling "GGGRRR!" and went on a wild rampage, the packed crowd of temple visitors excitedly cheered.

At 6:00 p.m., red, blue and yellow devils, which are symbolic of anger, sorrow and agony, dashed along the approach to the shrine and appeared before the head shrine. As they rampaged around with iron rods, a four-golden-eyed "Hososhi," or a person dressed up as an ancient noble officer, struck a shield and a pike and cornered the devils. Finally, after a "Tenjobito," or a high-ranking courtier, played by a man born under the current year's Oriental zodiac sign, shot an arrow made from the wood of a peach tree, which is believed to possess the power to seal off evil spirits, the devils ran off into the mountains.

The "Tsuina-shiki" ceremony is also called "Oni Yarai" and is said to have been held at court in the Heian Period. The "Karo-sai" ceremony was held at 11:00 p.m. on February 3 in order to burn old talismanic small wooden tablets and charms.