Namahage Museum

(Source : pixta)

The “Namahage” is a local event that is well known all over the country. On the Oga Peninsula of Akita during the dark hours of December 31 or January 15, ogres walk from house to house calling, “You got any cryin’ babies?”, “Any kids that ain’t been listenin’ to their parents lately?” For the people of Oga, the Namahage are divine spirits that bring good health and bountiful harvests from the fields, mountains, and sea for the upcoming year. For the houses that welcome the Namahage, ancient rites of hospitality are observed providing sake and food for the ogres. Various exhibits on the traditions and history of the Namahage, as well as well opportunities to try and experience the Namahage for themselves are all available at the Namahage Museum. There are lots of interesting things to find in this museum.

(Source: pixta)

The Namahage in Full Force

In the Namahage Museum, one can find 150 ogre masks and costumes that have been used in past events. The various numbers of Namahage available are sure to impress. Though the times aren’t decided, about 3 to 4 times a week the master carver, Ishikawa Senshu comes to the museum where one can watch him at work making masks. So come by to see up close what it’s like to make these legendary masks.

(Source: wikipedia)

Take a Photo after Changing into a Namahage

There is a Namahage costume booth in the museum where you can take pictures after changing into a real Namahage mask and costume. Here, you can take pictures with your own personal camera or smartphone. We recommend getting one picture with the mask and one without.

(Source: 僕の細道)

Oga Shinzan Folklore Museum

Located right next to the Namahage Museum is the Oga Shinzan Folklore Museum. Inside of a traditional “Magariya” farmhouse particular to the region one can view special lectures on the Namahage. After listening to detailed explanations, one can watch a faithful reenactment of the Nahamage itself. Please come and feel the experience for yourself.

(Source: pixta)

Namahage Experience

Once every 30 minutes in the Oga Shinzan Folklore Museum, a Namahage show is held. While you’re waiting in the traditional tatami room ogres suddenly barge in with thundering calls! Here one can experience up close the frightening power of the Namahage.