See & Do Central Akita

Namahage

なまはげ
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This New Year's Eve ritual is observed throughout Oga; it is such an ancient tradition that no one knows for sure when it began.Namahage in demonic masks and straw garments make the rounds of house in their village. They burst into houses and find young wives and children who are hiding, and tell them to work hard, study hard, and obey their parents or in-laws. The masters of the houses "protect" their family members, affirming that they all behave well. The Namahage are deities who visit villages to celebrate the New Year. This tradition is designated as a national intangible folk culture property.

VENUE DETAILS
Address
Wakamimachi, Oga City
Access
About a minute walk from JR Funakoshi station
Inquiry
0185-24-9141

"Oga City Tourism, Commerce and
Industries Department"
URL
https://www.namahage.co.jp/namahagekan/namahage.php
Notes
The information listed here is as of the publication and subject to change.
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