Japan Events and Festivals

12/31/2009 - 12/31/2009Namahage: Demon Festival

Under cover of darkness, young men disguised as the demon Namahage run about the town crying eerily. They wear devil masks, straw skirts, and straw shoes, and hold wooden knives and pails in their hands. Leaping to the doorsteps of neighbourhood homes, they seek out the children and inquire menacingly, 'Are there any young ones here who are cry-babies or slackers?' Despite this devilish version of Santa's question, 'Have you been good all year?' the Namahage are invited in by the head of the household, who offers them sake and mochi (rice cakes). Appeased by the warm hospitality, they take leave of that house, promising that the family will be blessed with good health, a large catch and a rich crop in the New Year, and then set off to visit the next home.