The Home of Namahage
なまはげの古里 NAMAHAGE的故郷 나마하게의 고향
18min.
18min.
Description
For long years, the Namahage has been believed to be the incarnation of deities in Oga, Akita. On New Year’s Eve, they descend from the sacred mountains and visit house-to-house to warn children against their misconduct crying "any bad kids?" At the same time, they give blessings to the residents. In 2018, the Namahage culture was added to the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list as a part of the "Raiho-shin, ritual visits of deities in masks and costumes."
Why was the Namahage born in Oga? Why did people value and inherit the Namahage tradition for long years? There are hints in the severe climate of the Oga peninsula and the way to make Namahage masks and costumes. Let's explore the answers in the day-to-day life of the people who live there.
Remarks: English, Formosan, and Korean versions are available in narration.
Production Year
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