Fukuoka Shrine Faces Up To Arrival Of Spring With Ear-to-ear Smile

Video footage taken on Jan. 25 shows a giant “otafuku” mask placed at the entrance of Kushidajinja shrine in Fukuoka in preparation for Setsubun on Feb. 3, considered the last day of winter. Visitors ducking through the large mouth of the smiling face is believed to attract business success and safety of their family. The 5.3-meter-tall, 5-meter-wide mask, made from washi paper and other materials, was set up by about 20 priests and parishioners.