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Japanese folk ritual "Namahage"

OGA, Japan, Dec. 31 Kyodo - Men dressed as a deity called Namahage visit a residential house in Oga in the northeastern Japan prefecture of Akita on Dec. 31, 2024, during an annual event to bring good fortune. The Japanese folk ritual was added to UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list in 2018. (Kyodo)

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Japanese folk ritual "Namahage"

Men dressed as a deity called Namahage visit a residential house in Oga in the northeastern Japan prefecture of Akita on Dec. 31, 2024, during an annual event to bring good fortune. The Japanese folk ritual was added to UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list in 2018.

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"Namahage" end-of-year rituals in Akita

AKITA, Japan - Men disguised as "Namahage" by wearing a demon-like mask and a costume made of straw, talk to a little boy in his house in Oga, Akita Prefecture, in northeastern Japan on Dec. 31, 2014. Namahage, considered a divine messenger 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 folklore cultural assets.

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"Namahage" end-of-year rituals in Akita

AKITA, Japan - A man disguised as "Namahage" by wearing a demon-like mask and a costume made of straw, talks to a little boy in his house in Oga, Akita Prefecture, in northeastern Japan on Dec. 31, 2014. Namahage, considered a divine messenger 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 folklore cultural assets.

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Certificate of expertise on 'Namahage' folkloric demons

AKITA, Japan - A man holds a certificate of expertise on June 4, 2014, on "Namahage," folkloric demons of Oga, Akita Prefecture, known for their customary frightening New Year's Day visits to children in the northeastern Japan prefecture. The certificate, issued by the city's tourist association, is becoming increasingly difficult to get due to its popularity.

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Chinese TV crew in Akita

AKITA, Japan - Actress Natsuki Kato (2nd from L) takes part in location shooting for a variety show for China's Guangxi TV at Namahage Museum, which showcases costumes of local folklore demons, in the city of Oga, Akita Prefecture, on July 30, 2010.

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(2)World Games begin with opening ceremony

AKITA, Japan - Local Japanese men disguised as ogres, called Namahage, and young women known as ''Komachimusume'' lead a parade of flags and placards of events for the sixth World Games in the opening ceremony Aug. 16 at Yabase Stadium in Akita, Akita Prefecture.

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Japan to seek UNESCO listing of 7 regional events

People in "namahage" outfits in the Japanese city of Oga celebrate the government's decision on Feb. 17, 2016, to seek the addition of seven indigenous regional events to UNESCO's intangible cultural heritage list. In the Oga Namahage in Akita Prefecture, residents dressed as messengers from the gods visit homes to expel evil and wish good health. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo

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"Namahage" end-of-year rituals

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

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"Namahage" end-of-year rituals

A child cries while being lifted by a man disguised as "Namahage" wearing a demon-like mask and a costume made of straw, in Oga, northeastern Japan on Dec. 31, 2015. 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

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Akita Pref. unveils new PR character inspired by folklore

Akita Gov. Norihisa Satake unveils at his office in Akita city on Aug. 29, 2015, his prefecture's new mascot character for public relations activities, inspired by the traditional "namahage" festival featuring a demon-like character based on folklore. The prefecture is inviting the public to propose a name for the new mascot. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo

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Chinese TV crew in Akita

AKITA, Japan - Actress Natsuki Kato (2nd from L) takes part in location shooting for a variety show for China's Guangxi TV at Namahage Museum, which showcases costumes of local folklore demons, in the city of Oga, Akita Prefecture, on July 30, 2010. (Kyodo)

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Tokyo Olympic torch relay

A junior high school student poses with men dressed in long straw coats with demon-like masks to impersonate a deity called Namahage after running in the Tokyo Olympic torch relay at a shrine in the Akita Prefecture city of Oga, northeastern Japan, on June 9, 2021.

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Tokyo Olympic torch relay

A junior high school student poses with men dressed in long straw coats with demon-like masks to impersonate a deity called Namahage after running in the Tokyo Olympic torch relay at a shrine in the Akita Prefecture city of Oga, northeastern Japan, on June 9, 2021.

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Tokyo Olympic torch relay

A junior high school student poses with men dressed in long straw coats with demon-like masks to impersonate a deity called Namahage after running in the Tokyo Olympic torch relay at a shrine in the Akita Prefecture city of Oga, northeastern Japan, on June 9, 2021.

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"Namahage" end-of-year rituals in Akita

AKITA, Japan - A man disguised as "Namahage" by wearing a demon-like mask and a costume made of straw, talks to a little boy in his house in Oga, Akita Prefecture, in northeastern Japan on Dec. 31, 2014. Namahage, considered a divine messenger 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 folklore cultural assets. (Kyodo)

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Certificate of expertise on 'Namahage' folkloric demons

AKITA, Japan - A man holds a certificate of expertise on June 4, 2014, on "Namahage," folkloric demons of Oga, Akita Prefecture, known for their customary frightening New Year's Day visits to children in the northeastern Japan prefecture. The certificate, issued by the city's tourist association, is becoming increasingly difficult to get due to its popularity. (Kyodo)

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(2)World Games begin with opening ceremony

AKITA, Japan - Local Japanese men disguised as ogres, called Namahage, and young women known as ''Komachimusume'' lead a parade of flags and placards of events for the sixth World Games in the opening ceremony Aug. 16 at Yabase Stadium in Akita, Akita Prefecture.

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Japanese folk ritual Namahage

A boy is seen frightened as god messenger "namahage" visit homes in Akita Prefecture, northeastern Japan, on Dec. 31, 2019, a Japanese folk ritual listed as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo

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Japanese folk ritual Namahage

An infant is seen frightened as god messenger "namahage" visit homes in Akita Prefecture, northeastern Japan, on Dec. 31, 2019, a Japanese folk ritual listed as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo

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Certificate for UNESCO intangible heritage

A man dressed as a "namahage" attends a conferment ceremony in Tokyo on May 27, 2019, for a set of Japanese folk rituals featuring "Raiho-shin," or visiting deities, which have been approved for addition to the intangible cultural heritage list of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. The rituals listed include "Oga no Namahage" from Akita Prefecture, northern Japan. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo

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"Namahage" festival in Japan

Men dressed as a deity called Namahage perform a dance during the Namahage Sedo Festival at Shinzan Shrine in Oga, Akita Prefecture, northeastern Japan, on Feb. 8, 2019. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo

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"Namahage" festival in Japan

Men dressed as a deity called Namahage perform a dance during the Namahage Sedo Festival at Shinzan Shrine in Oga, Akita Prefecture, northeastern Japan, on Feb. 8, 2019. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo

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"Namahage" festival in Japan

Men dressed as a deity called Namahage perform a dance during the Namahage Sedo Festival at Shinzan Shrine in Oga, Akita Prefecture, northeastern Japan, on Feb. 8, 2019. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo

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"Namahage" festival in Japan

Men dressed as a deity called Namahage walk down a snowy mountain during the Namahage Sedo Festival in Oga, Akita Prefecture, northeastern Japan, on Feb. 8, 2019. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo

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"Namahage" festival in Japan

Men dressed as a deity called Namahage walk down a snowy mountain during the Namahage Sedo Festival in Oga, Akita Prefecture, northeastern Japan, on Feb. 8, 2019. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo

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UNESCO-designated Japanese folk ritual

A girl cries in fear as she is held by a "namahage" in Oga, Akita Prefecture, on Dec. 31, 2018. The northeastern Japan city's "Oga no Namahage," along with other Japanese folk rituals in which people dressed as gods visit people's homes to bring good fortune, was approved for addition to UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list in November 2018. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo

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UNESCO-designated Japanese folk ritual

A girl cries in fear as she is held by a "namahage" in Oga, Akita Prefecture, on Dec. 31, 2018. The northeastern Japan city's "Oga no Namahage," along with other Japanese folk rituals in which people dressed as gods visit people's homes to bring good fortune, was approved for addition to UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list in November 2018. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo

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UNESCO-designated Japanese folk ritual

A girl cries in fear as she is held by a "namahage" in Oga, Akita Prefecture, on Dec. 31, 2018. The northeastern Japan city's "Oga no Namahage," along with other Japanese folk rituals in which people dressed as gods visit people's homes to bring good fortune, was approved for addition to UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list in November 2018. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo

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UNESCO-designated Japanese folk ritual

A girl cries in fear as she is held by a "namahage" in Oga, Akita Prefecture, on Dec. 31, 2018. The northeastern Japan city's "Oga no Namahage," along with other Japanese folk rituals in which people dressed as gods visit people's homes to bring good fortune, was approved for addition to UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list in November 2018. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo

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Namahage practice ahead of year-end ritual

People dressed as a deity called Namahage take part in practice in Oga, Akita Prefecture, on Dec. 20, 2018, ahead of the year-end ritual. The city's "Oga no Namahage," along with other Japanese folk rituals, was added to UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list in November. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo

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Namahage practice ahead of year-end ritual

People dressed as a deity called Namahage take part in practice in Oga, Akita Prefecture, on Dec. 20, 2018, ahead of the year-end ritual. The city's "Oga no Namahage," along with other Japanese folk rituals, was added to UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list in November. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo

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Japan folk rituals approved as UNESCO intangible heritage

Koji Sugawara, mayor of Oga, Akita Prefecture, northeastern Japan, speaks at the city hall on Nov. 29, 2018. The city's "Oga no Namahage," along with other Japanese folk rituals, was approved for addition to UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo

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Japan folk rituals approved as UNESCO intangible heritage

Men dressed as a deity called Namahage pose for photos in Oga, Akita Prefecture, northeastern Japan, on Nov. 29, 2018. The city's "Oga no Namahage," along with other Japanese folk rituals, was approved for addition to UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo

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Japan folk rituals approved as UNESCO intangible heritage

Men dressed as a deity called Namahage are pictured in Oga, Akita Prefecture, northeastern Japan, on Nov. 29, 2018. The city's "Oga no Namahage," along with other Japanese folk rituals, was approved for addition to UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo

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Japan folk rituals approved as UNESCO intangible heritage

Mikio Miura (C) and other men dressed as a deity called Namahage, are pictured in Oga, Akita Prefecture, northeastern Japan, on Nov. 29, 2018. The city's "Oga no Namahage," along with other Japanese folk rituals, was approved for addition to UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo

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Japan folk rituals approved as UNESCO intangible heritage

Mikio Miura, dressed as a deity called Namahage, is pictured with his mask taken off in Oga, Akita Prefecture, northeastern Japan, on Nov. 29, 2018. The city's "Oga no Namahage," along with other Japanese folk rituals, was approved for addition to UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo

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Japan folk rituals approved as UNESCO intangible heritage

Men dressed as a deity called Namahage are pictured in Oga, Akita Prefecture, northeastern Japan, on Nov. 29, 2018. The city's "Oga no Namahage," along with other Japanese folk rituals, was approved for addition to UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo

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Japan folk rituals approved as UNESCO intangible heritage

Men dressed as a deity called Namahage are pictured in Oga, Akita Prefecture, northeastern Japan, on Nov. 29, 2018. The city's "Oga no Namahage," along with other Japanese folk rituals, was approved for addition to UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo

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Japan's "namahage" ritual

Men dressed as "namahage" are pictured with their masks taken off at the city hall of Oga in Akita Prefecture, northeastern Japan, on Nov. 28, 2018. The Oga Namahage, in which residents dressed up as gods visit homes to expel evil and wish for good health, along with nine other traditional regional events will be examined the following day for inscription on the UNESCO intangible cultural heritage list. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo

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Japan's "namahage" ritual

Men dressed as "namahage" are pictured at the city hall of Oga in Akita Prefecture, northeastern Japan, on Nov. 28, 2018. The Oga Namahage, in which residents dressed up as gods visit homes to expel evil and wish for good health, along with nine other traditional regional events will be examined the following day for inscription on the UNESCO intangible cultural heritage list. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo

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Japan's "namahage" ritual

Men dressed as "namahage" are pictured at the city hall of Oga in Akita Prefecture, northeastern Japan, on Nov. 28, 2018. The Oga Namahage, in which residents dressed up as gods visit homes to expel evil and wish for good health, along with nine other traditional regional events will be examined the following day for inscription on the UNESCO intangible cultural heritage list. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo

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Japan's "namahage" ritual

A man dressed as a "namahage" is pictured at the city hall of Oga in Akita Prefecture, northeastern Japan, on Nov. 28, 2018. The Oga Namahage, in which residents dressed up as gods visit homes to expel evil and wish for good health, along with nine other traditional regional events will be examined the following day for inscription on the UNESCO intangible cultural heritage list. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo

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Japan's "namahage" ritual

A man dressed as a "namahage" is pictured at the city hall of Oga in Akita Prefecture, northeastern Japan, on Nov. 28, 2018. The Oga Namahage, in which residents dressed up as gods visit homes to expel evil and wish for good health, along with nine other traditional regional events will be examined the following day for inscription on the UNESCO intangible cultural heritage list. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo

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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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"Namahage" festival in Akita

Men disguised as "Namahage" descend a snowy mountain carrying torches on Feb. 10, 2017, during the Namahage Sedo Festival at Shinzan Shrine in the northeastern Japan city of Oga, Akita Prefecture. Wearing a demon-like mask and a costume made of straw, 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 in a tradition designated as one of Japan's important intangible cultural assets. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo

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"Namahage" festival in Akita

Men disguised as "Namahage" perform a dance during the Namahage Sedo Festival at Shinzan Shrine in the northeastern Japan city of Oga, Akita Prefecture, on Feb. 10, 2017. Wearing a demon-like mask and a costume made of straw, 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 in a tradition designated as one of Japan's important intangible cultural assets. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo

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"Namahage" end-of-year rituals in Akita Pref.

A child cries while being lifted by men disguised as "Namahage" -- wearing a demon-like mask and a costume made of straw -- in Oga, Akita Prefecture, northeastern Japan, on Dec. 31, 2016. 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

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"Namahage" end-of-year rituals in Akita Pref.

A man (R) pours sake for "Namahage" who visited his house in Oga in Akita Prefecture, northeastern Japan, on Dec. 31, 2016. Wearing a demon-like mask and a costume made of straw, 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 in a tradition designated as one of Japan's important intangible cultural assets. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo