Namahage come to wintertime Shinjuku Kabukicho! A one-day deep dive into the heart of Oga City, Akita Prefecture.

Oga City sits perched on the Oga Peninsula in Akita Prefecture, hugged by sea on three sides. Tourists flock here each year for stunning natural beauty, rugged coastal cliffs, lush green meadows, and vistas of breathtaking sunsets at Cape Nyudozaki. Make your way here for panoramic views of the peninsula from the summit of Mt. Kanpuzan.
Oga is home to a unique geological heritage, featuring a nearly uninterrupted record of 70 million years of Earth's history, earning it recognition as a designated Japanese Geopark.
The area offers activities such as paragliding on Mt. Kampu, ideal for beginners due to its lack of obstacles, as well as renowned paragliding spots along the Sea of Japan.

The Namahage is a traditional folk ritual from the Oga Peninsula region, renowned as part of the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage listing for Raihoshin: Ritual Visits of Deities in Masks and Costumes.
On New Year’s Eve, young men from the local community dress as Namahage, wearing fearsome masks and straw costumes. They visit homes in the area, shouting phrases like “Any crying children here?” or “Any lazy kids here?” to admonish and encourage better behavior. Their reprimands are not limited to children—adults may also be urged to “Stop drinking so much” or “Take care of the fields properly.” Families, in return, welcome the Namahage in formal attire, offer sake and other treats, and send them off respectfully.
While their look and feel are not for the small of heart, the Namahage are revered deities, said to blessings. They wish for the community’s happiness, good health, bountiful harvests, and successful fishing.

To learn more about the Namahage, visit the Oga Shinzan Folklore Museum・Namahage Museum in Oga City or attend the Sedo Festival held every February.

The performance is slated for JAM17 SPACE EAST, an event space on the 17th floor of Tokyu Kabukicho Tower. On the same floor, JAM17 SPACE WEST is scheduled to host the Oga Products Fair, complete with tourism tips, local specialties for sale, a photo corner, and a craft workshop to make your own Namahage mask (reservations required).
In the evening, another Namahage Taiko LIVE is slated for the stage at Shinjuku Kabuki Hall – Kabuki Yokocho on the 2nd floor, complete with 10 vendors offering soul food from across Japan and Korea. Step in and stand blown away while savoring dishes from the KABUKI CAFE menu.

Namahage Taiko is a traditional performing art that blends Oga’s Namahage with Japan’s ancient wadaiko drumming. Complete with original compositions inspired by the legends and landscapes of the Oga Peninsula, the powerful presence of the Namahage performers is truly breathtaking. While there is a permanent venue for Namahage Taiko in Oga, performances in Tokyo are rare and a unique opportunity not to be missed!

Opened in April 2023, Tokyu Kabukicho Tower stands as a new landmark in Shinjuku’s Kabukicho district, drawing attention both domestically and internationally.
Standing approximately 225 meters tall with 48 above-ground floors and 5 basement levels, it is one of Japan’s largest high-rise complexes. The tower houses a variety of entertainment hubs, including a hotel, movie theaters, a theater, and a live music hall.
With the concept of “pursuing your passions to the fullest,” Tokyu Kabukicho Tower serves as a hub for new experiences and culture, adding even more vibrancy to Kabukicho.

This winter festival combines the Saito-sai, a sacred ritual held at Shinzan Shrine in Oga City for over 900 years, with the traditional Namahage folk event.
Watch as Namahage carry their torch on the way down the mountain before launching into the full song and dance around a blazing fire in the shrine's grounds. It’s an awe-inspiring spectacle you won’t want to miss!

Skated for just around the corner, will you meet a Namahage at this one day Tokyo event? Take a deep dive into the fascinating world of Namahage? While you're there, enjoy the cutting-edge entertainment offered at Tokyu Kabukicho Tower.
If this event or article sparks your interest in Namahage or Oga, consider visiting the area in person. The Namahage Sedo Festival held in February is highly recommended!