Namahage in Akita Prefecture 生剥　なまはげ（秋田)

Holiday Events May Be Postponed Or Cancelled Due To The Ongoing Coronavirus Epedimic

If Namahage is still being done in 2020, it will definitely be curtailed to allow for Social Distancing. Hang in there and stay safe ;-D

Scaring the Kiddies into Being Good on New Years Eve

Some Good Ol’ Namahage Fun!

Namahage is a cultural tradition in Akita prefecture that occurs on December 31st every year and is very similar to the Krampus tradition around Austria.
In traditional Japanese folklore these are demonlike beings, portrayed by men wearing hefty oni (ogre) masks and traditional straw capes (mino) during a New Year’s ritual of the Oga Peninsula area of Akita Prefecture in northern Honshū, Japan. Namahage is sure to be something that you don’t see everyday, and in while may not be able to see again.

How Do They Do Namahage?

The frightfully dressed men of Namahage, armed with deba knives (albeit wooden fakes or made of papier-mâché) and toting a teoke (手桶, “hand pail” made of wood), march in pairs or threes going door-to-door making rounds of people’s homes, admonishing children who may be guilty of laziness or bad behavior, yelling phrases like “Are there any crybabies around?” (泣く子はいねがぁ Nakuko wa inee gā?) or “Are naughty kids around?” (悪い子はいねえか Waruiko wa inee ka?) in the pronunciation and accent of the local dialect.

Namahage As Cultural Tourism

This cultural tradition is found in northern Japan in general. However, Namahage has become a point for tourism lately and actors are sent around the world to perform for foreign audiences as a way to advertise Akita prefecture. In fact, people come from around Japan to see winter performances during the latter part of December in Akita prefecture itself as part of Winter Break tourism. If you want to see some of Japan’s traditional village culture and traditions, Namahage is a great intangible cultural event that is sure to be something different.