Cheryl Muregerera (left), a Kawasaki Reading Room worker and graduate student in Educational Adminis
Jordan Opp
© 2025, The Board of Regents of the University of Nebraska. All rights reserved.
Cheryl Muregerera (left), a Kawasaki Reading Room worker and graduate student in Educational Administration, leads students in throwing roasted soybeans to drive away “demons” as part of Japan’s mamemaki ceremony. The ritual is intended to drive away evil spirits and welcome good fortune. Students throw soybeans at the demon One, played by Jerry Zhu, junior Secondary Education major, while shouting “Oni wa soto, Fuku wa Uchi,” meaning “Demons out, Fortune in,” during the Setsubun: Mamemaki (Bean Throwing Ceremony) event inside the Kawasaki Reading Room. January 30, 2025. Photo by Jordan Opp / University Communication and Marketing.