Year-end "namahage" rituals in Akita

A man serves up a feast for "Namahage" who visited his house in Oga, Akita Prefecture, northeastern Japan, on Dec. 31, 2017. With demon-like masks and straw clothing, Namahage are considered divine messengers bringing blessings to people by visiting houses in the area every New Year's Eve, yelling and telling children they have to behave themselves. The tradition is designated as one of Japan's important intangible cultural assets. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo

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2017/12/31 19:57:12

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Kyodo / Kyodo News Images

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2017 Kyodo News

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Men disguised as "Namahage" by wearing a demon-like mask and a costume made of straw yell to boost their spirits in Oga, northeastern Japan on Dec. 31, 2015 ahead of visiting houses. Namahage, considered divine messengers bringing blessings to people, visit houses in the area every New Year's Eve, yelling and telling children they have to behave themselves in a tradition designated as one of Japan's important intangible cultural assets. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo