About this event
This is a traditional visiting deity (raihoshin) ritual handed down in the Asanai district of Noshiro City, Akita Prefecture. In winter, the heat marks on the shins and thighs caused by warming oneself by the sunken hearth (irori) were called 'nagome' and were regarded as proof of laziness. 'Nagomehagi' is a custom in which demons (currently wearing Bakugaku masks) visit homes to strip away these 'nagome' and warn against laziness. Held on New Year's Eve, they make rounds through the village, scolding children to keep them from being lazy and offering words of encouragement to the elderly. It is an important, locally rooted folk cultural tradition meant to drive away the year's bad luck and welcome the new year in purity. Young people dressed in masks and straw raincoats visit homes while ringing gongs and bells, loudly shouting, 'Are there any bad children?' In addition to admonishing laziness, they also play the role of exorcising disasters from households and praying for good fortune in the new year.
Source website (Japanese) ↗Venue
Asanai
Asanai, Noshiro, Akita 016-0179
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