About this event
Men-sama Nento, an evil-warding Shinto ritual handed down since ancient times in Wajimazaki-machi, is designated as a National Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property. It is held twice a year, on January 14 (Oide Men-sama) and January 20 (Okaeri Men-sama), with the aim of warding off evil for each parishioner's household. On the 14th, they visit about 200 homes starting from the mountain side of the town, and on the 20th from the sea side. Two elementary school students wearing grotesque male masks (kushigaki-men) and female masks (joro-men) are accompanied by attendants, appearing in the guise of married deities; by custom, they never speak a single word. At each house, they strike the entrance vigorously with sakaki branches to purify it and exorcise the household Shinto altar. They receive New Year's greetings from the household, accept the offered first fruits, and leave. On the 14th, it is also held at Juzo Shrine in Kawai-machi, but with a different atmosphere. A Shinto ritual is conducted at the shrine from around 8:30 a.m., after which Men-sama departs. Those who wish to view it would do well to go to the shrine a bit earlier, around 8:00 a.m.
Source website (Japanese) ↗Venue
Wajimazaki-machi
Wajimazaki-machi, Wajima, Ishikawa 928-0071
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