NAMAHAGE

A traditional folk event still performed today in Oga Peninsula of Akita Prefecture, a region known for heavy snow. On New Year’s Eve (in most villages), young men wearing hefty ogre masks and traditional straw capes (kede) hold wooden knives or other weapons and visit people’s houses, shouting angrily, “Are there any crybabies around?” Despite their terrifying looks and violent behavior, Namahage are said to be mountain spirits sent from Shinzan Temple to dispel evil and bad luck by loudly knocking doors and stamping on the floor. It is believed that after Namahage have left, putting the straw that has fallen off the kede around ailing body parts will cure the ailments. If that is true, it is like being revisited by Santa Claus shortly after Christmas.