On the night of New Year's Eve on the 31st, in Oga City, Akita Prefecture, a traditional event called "Oga no Namahage" is held, in which a man wearing a demon-like mask visits local houses to pray for good health in the New Year.
In the Noishi Kayachi area, 10 men in their teens to 40s took turns wearing Namahage masks and visited about 20 households.
In order to prevent the spread of the new coronavirus, measures were taken in this district such that the Namahage would only enter the homes they wished to enter, and that they would not eat sake or food for hospitality.
Namahage yells at frightened children, saying things like, "Don't be a bad boy," or "If you do something bad, you'll be taken to the mountains."
The children cried and hid behind their parents, telling them, "I will do my best," and the Namahage said, "I'll come again," and left.
A 13-year-old boy who came to Namahage's house said, "I want to do my best so that I can give a good report to Namahage next year."
Rakusho Kamata, a third-year junior high school student who pretended to be Namahage for the first time this year, said, "I practiced vocalizing at home beforehand, but when I actually tried it, it was difficult. It's an important traditional event, so I want to pass it on to future generations. I want to connect," he said.