Honorable Mention TIFA 2025 People / Culture

The Storyteller of Namahage

  • Photographer
    Shunta Ueno
  • Photo Date
    07/22/2025

In Oga, Akita, the Namahage ritual has been passed down for generations. Men dressed as deities visit homes on New Year’s Eve, admonishing laziness and bringing blessings. This portrait shows a storyteller who dedicates his life to preserving and sharing this tradition. His quiet dignity reflects both the strength and fragility of cultural heritage.

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