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This site will be taken down March 31st, 2026.

This was not an easy decision to make. For the last couple years, I have been struggling to find motivation for this site and to keep up with basic maintenance and security updates. With the rise of AI and more sophisticated tools, the usefulness of sites like this is questionable and traffic has nose-dived. I just don't have it in me to keep doing this. Thank you all for 10 years of support!

Zach

節分

Readings

Kana: せつぶん、せちぶん、せちぶ
Romaji: setsubun, sechibun, sechibu
Kana
Romaji

Definitions

noun
1

last day of winter in the traditional Japanese calendar (usually February 3 or 4); holiday for end of winter (accompanied by a bean scattering ceremony)

2

last day of any season (according to the traditional Japanese calendar)

Note: original meaning

Kanji

節
Readings: セツ、 セチ、 ふし、 -ぶし、 のっと
Meanings: node, season, period, occasion, verse, clause, stanza, honor, joint, knuckle, knob, knot, tune, melody
分
Readings: ブン、 フン、 ブ、 わ.ける、 わ.け、 わ.かれる、 わ.かる、 わ.かつ
Meanings: part, minute of time, segment, share, degree, one's lot, duty, understand, know, rate, 1%, chances, shaku/100