Namahage

Namahage is a Japanese tradition organized in Oga Peninsula, Akita Prefecture in northern Honshū, Japan. It is also known as “Oga no namahage” (in English Oga Namahage Festival). The tradition is held on the 31st of December. People dressed as demons fright naughty Japanese children. They shout something like this - “Any children crying?” Apart from frightening children these demons also warn daughters-in-law to perform their daily duties properly.

Namahage demons

Every Namhage demon wears a mask – red one for female demon and blue one for male demon. She/he also wears a straw rain coat and a waistband. Namhage demon carries a wooden knife or a bucket. Namahage demons first threat parents that they are going to carry their children to the mountains. But after they are offered some sake or mochi rice cakes they bless the house and wish the family a prosperous new year.