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Japan Defense Focus No.119 Jan. 2020

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Namahage

Namahage

There are various traditional folk events held throughout Japan. Among such events, Namahage is particularly famous, which is practiced on the Oga Peninsula in Akita Prefecture located in the Tohoku region.

Namahage is a folk event in which messengers from the regional mountain gods visit local houses on New Year’s Eve to drive away evil spirits.

The messengers wear demonic masks and traditional straw garments. They make the rounds of homes shouting phrases like, “Any lazy people here?” or “Any kids here who don’t listen to their parents?”

It is an event held to caution against laziness and to bring good health and plentiful harvests from the fields, mountains, and seas.

In 2018, it was added to the List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of UNESCO as 10 “ritual visits of deities in masks and costumes”.

JGSDF Camp Akita is located in Akita City, Akita Prefecture. The 21st Infantry Regiment is stationed at the base to fulfill the responsibility for defense, security, and disaster relief operations throughout Akita Prefecture.

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