Namahage Museum, Cultural museum in Oga, Japan.
The Namahage Museum is a building in Oga dedicated to preserving a local winter tradition through exhibits of masks, costumes, and ritual objects. The display documents how these items are made by hand and used in seasonal celebrations.
The museum was established to preserve an ancient tradition practiced during New Year celebrations in this region. This inherited practice has evolved across generations and remains a significant part of local custom.
The name Namahage comes from local dialect meaning "skin-peeling demons". Visitors can observe how the painted masks and costumes on display reflect the respect and fear these figures command in the community.
Admission is affordable and the site is easy to walk through. The gallery spaces are compact, making a visit manageable in about one hour.
Visitors can join hands-on workshops where they learn to craft traditional masks themselves. This direct experience reveals how much skill and patience goes into the craftwork.
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