The Danish Namahage Association made its debut performance at the annual Japan Bowl at Aarhus University. Japan Bowl is one of the biggest Japanese cultural events in Jutland – a trivia competition that puts contestants’ knowledge of Japan to the test. The winners walk away with great prizes from the sponsors, and the event even receives a visit from the Japanese Embassy.
Chief Namahage Andreas delivered an in-depth lecture on the history, culture, and folklore of the Namahage – including its psychological role and the state of the tradition as it exists today.
In the photo, you can see Andreas talking about his days as a Namahage taiko drummer.
Suddenly, the auditorium is invaded by two Namahage, thundering their way down the stairs!
After a student is nearly carried off to the mountains and his professor has been thoroughly interrogated, the Namahage bless the room to ensure everyone present stays safe in the coming year.
