The Namahage of Oga
On New Year's Eve in northern Japan, men dressed as demons burst into homes to scare children into being good.
What was reported
On the Oga Peninsula in Akita, on New Year's Eve, young men put on huge red and blue demon masks and straw capes to become namahage. They go from house to house, stamping and shouting, 'Are there any crybabies? Any lazy children here?', while children cling to their parents.
The family welcomes them with food and sake, and the head of the household promises the children have been good. The namahage leave, wishing the house good fortune for the year.
Explanations offered
The namahage are seen as visiting gods who drive away bad luck and idleness. The custom is part of a group of masked ritual visits recognised by UNESCO as intangible heritage in 2018, and the peninsula has a museum dedicated to them.
- When
- Every New Year's Eve
- Where
- Oga Peninsula, Akita, Japan
- Witnesses
- Families on the Oga Peninsula
- Status
- Legend
Famous cases are real, widely reported events. Each file sets out what witnesses said and the explanations that have been offered, without taking a side.