In Utashinai City, Hokkaido, the "Namahage Festival" held as a town revitalization was held on the night of the 5th for the first time in three years, and was crowded with many parents and children.
Utashinai City's "Namahage Festival" began in 1987 as a town revitalization after the closure of the coal mine, which was a key industry, because there were many people from Akita. was held in
On the night of the 5th, the Namahage with a torch appeared at the venue where a large number of parents and children gathered.
When the Namahage entered the plaza, yelling, "Isn't there a child who doesn't listen to their parents?"
The children said things like, "I promised to eat properly," and "I will listen to what you have to say."
Koji Kudo, the president of the Namahage Association, said, "I was worried about crowds because it was the first time in three years, but I am grateful that so many people came."