This was national news for Japan a couple weeks ago. Since it’s a national tradition, I guess it’s not surprising that it’s practiced here too:
“In this video from Kumamoto, on the southwestern island of Kyushu, a man dressed as a namahage enters a home during setsubun, traditionally the day before the start of spring and now observed each year on February 3. In some parts of Kumamoto, a namahage visits the household, terrifying the young children. Part of the setsubun tradition all over Japan involves children throwing roasted soybeans at a family member wearing an ogre mask, but in Kumamoto children can throw beans at someone wearing the full ogre costume from head to toe, appearing to be the “real thing”.”
Personally, I have mixed feelings. Generally speaking, I’m glad to see traditional culture valued and preserved. On the other hand, the kids seem to be truly terrified by these encounters and that gives me pause.
Yours truly,
Conflicted in Kumamoto (otherwise known as “Kirk)
