The Namahage originally appeared only on the night of New Year’s Eve. Until 1945, Namahage rituals and events were held on January 15 - what is known as the “Little New Year” in the old lunisolar calendar. Nowadays, we tourists also have some opportunities to see Namahage for ourselves. One of those opportunities is at the “Sedo Festival” in Shinzan Shrine.

Since 1963, this festival has combined long-held Shinto rituals with folkloric events. It is held on the second Saturday of every year, but the festivities encompass Friday and Sunday as well, making it a three-day celebration.

The “Sedo” are purifying flames meant to scorch away all worldly desires. During the festival, a large ball of mochi at the center of the grounds is lit with this sacred flame, then offered to a Namahage that acts as an envoy of the gods. Prior to this rite of offering, which is known as “Kenpei”, the festival comes alive with Namahage dances and taiko drum performances.

The original Sedo Festival began as a Shinto ritual over 900 years ago and continues to be held yearly on January 3rd as a separate ritual from the Namahage Sedo Festival. At this festival, people also gather at the Shinzan Shrine to offer a sacred fire mochi to the gods of the mountain. It’s said that a Namahage believed to be an avatar of Shinki, envoy to the mountain gods, descends from the mountain to accept this mochi.