"Namahage" end-of-year rituals

Men disguised as "Namahage" by wearing a demon-like mask and a costume made of straw yell to boost their spirits in Oga, northeastern Japan on Dec. 31, 2015 ahead of visiting houses. Namahage, considered divine messengers bringing blessings to people, visit houses in the area every New Year's Eve, yelling and telling children they have to behave themselves in a tradition designated as one of Japan's important intangible cultural assets. (Kyodo)

==Kyodo