Namahage

Well meaning Yokai, Anti-laziness, Anti-wickedness, Encouraging Good Behavior

Namahage are demon-like Yokai living in the mountains of northern Japan. They look like Oni with red or blue skin and wild eyes and hair. They have large mouths, sharp teeth and horns. They wear straw leggings, raincoats and carry large blades.

They are sent down from the mountains once a year and go from door to door brandishing their blades asking if there are any bad kids in the house. They mostly enjoy scaring small kids and new brides. They are sent by the gods to warn and chastise those who have been lazy or wicked.

They are most often represented in tattoos as theater oni masks with a lot of wild messy hair and crazed expressions.