Festival Masks

Travelling mask vendors follow the Japanese festival circuit all over the country selling plastic masks in the shape of popular cartoon characters and mythical creatures. These masks can be found at virtually every Japanese festival.

Hyottoko Mask
Hyottoko is a mythical spirit who is represented with a mask. The stories attached to Hyottoko differ widely by region. In one example, he was a boy with a funny face who could produce gold from his bellybutton. In all variations of the myth, Hyottoko is a lucky spirit with a funny face.

Hyottoko plays a role in a number of traditional dances as a clown-like figure with foolish steps.

Tengu Mask
Tengu are a mythical Japanese creature that were historically thought to be troublesome demons who were generally bad luck. This view softened over the centuries and Tengu are now respected as protectors of sacred forests and mountains. Tengu were originally represented as bird-like creatures but with time evolved to look somewhat human with a giant nose. Tengu masks are worn at a variety of festivals and are a popular ornament to decorate temples and businesses such as restaurants.

Kitsune Mask
Kitsune is the Japanese word for fox. According to Japanese traditions, foxes are thought to be the messengers of the goddess Inari. In Japanese myth, the gods themselves may appear as foxes. In other stories, foxes may appear as beautiful women to trick humans.

Fox masks play a role in various festivals that celebrate these old myths.

Okame Mask
Okame is essentially the female version of Hyottoko. The two both have funny faces and are often seen together as a pair. Okame is generally seen as a goddess who generously spreads good fortune. It's common for shines to display gigantic Okame masks at festival time.

Oni Mask
Oni are a generic Japanese demon or ogre. They are mischievous creatures who aren't particularly difficult to scare away with a little effort. Oni masks range from comical to incredibly fearsome. Rural Japanese festivals often involve locals wearing oni masks running wild with mischief through the streets.

On the setsubun holiday, dads and moms all over Japan put on a oni mask and try to scare the kids. The kids in turn scare the oni away by throwing beans.

Trivia

 * The masks only fit the smallest of children so adults typically wear them to the side or back of their head.