👹The Legend of “Namahage”👹

Namahage, the troll type of demon-like beings with blue or red skin are local northern Japanese folklore of Oga in Akita Prefecture.
Nowadays, the event is mostly held on New Year’s eve. The young men in the village dress as Namahage, putting on huge oni (demon) masks and traditional straw capes (mino), carrying massive ax-sized knives, go door-to-door making rounds of people's homes, admonishing children and wives who may be guilty of laziness or bad behavior.
“Are there any naughty kids around here?” they shout in a loud deep voice. Children get terrified and burst into tears by thinking they will get kidnapped by those Namahage. Then the household comes in and serves sake and mochi (rice cake) to Namahage and starts telling them about the children’s well-being. Namahage then finally get convinced and leave the house to the other.

We took our son to Namahage museum in Oga last summer and had some interesting experiences there (surprisingly, my son did not cry)! If you ever come to Japan and happen to go to Akita prefecture, you should visit Namahage Museum. It's worth it!

AKITA NAMAHAGE MASK DEMON ONI RED 

AKITA NAMAHAGE MASK DEMON ONI BLUE