Bean-scattering rite held at Shinshoji temple

A traditional event of scattering beans to drive away evil spirits took place at Naritasan Shinshoji temple, east of Tokyo, on Thursday.

Actress Juri Ueno, who is starring in NHK's epic drama "Go," and other celebrities threw beans from a platform set up in front of the temple's main hall. People who packed the venue rushed to catch the beans.

Bean-throwers at Shinshoji only shout "Fukuwa uchi!," meaning "Good luck in!," whereas the phrase "Oniwa soto!," or "Demons out!," is also shouted at the traditional rite practiced all across Japan.

The unique practice at Shinshoji is based on the legend that even demons repented thanks to the mercy shown by the divine figure enshrined at the temple.

About 40,000 people visited the temple for the event, in which a total 1,260 kilograms of beans were scattered.