The Suneka of Yoshihama

The photo of suneka entering a home.

In November 2018, a two hundred year-old New Year tradition native to Yoshihama, Sanriku-cho, Ofunato City, was selected to become Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO. This tradition is none other than the Suneka of Yoshihama, where locals act as deities and visit four hundred households January 15th of each year (the date may change due to weather conditions). While the Suneka look menacing, and likely are—with their kiriha (small sword) that they wave around—they bring good fortune and energy to the people of Yoshihama.

The Suneka of Yoshihama are a type of raihoshin, which refers to Japanese spirits that make ritual visits to people. Various traditions of raihoshin have been passed on between generations throughout Japan, wherein local young men wear masks and act as deities. In particular, the Suneka of Yoshihama, as well as their name, actions, and appearance, express the values of Yoshihama’s people.

It is said that the Suneka’s name comes from “sunekawa taguri”, which means to strip the skin from someone’s shins. This rough term refers to how, in winter, those who constantly laze around a hearth will grow red patchy marks on their shins. The Suneka, however, detest the lazy and thus have received their name in reference to “sunekawa taguri” as punishment for those who slack off.

The Suneka of Yoshihama contributes to the growth and behavior of children. Throughout the year, children are warned by elders that, if they don’t behave, Suneka will come and take them away. Suneka go from home to home, bellowing out “are there any bad children here?” and “are there any crybabies here?” in the local dialect. In response, children cry out that they will be good and that they won’t cry. There are still many children and babies who cry and scream at the sight of the frightening Suneka, however.

Suneka can be seen with children’s shoes hanging from their straw barrels. If children don’t behave, Suneka will put them in their hay barrel and take them away. As such, children need to watch their behavior so they are not taken away by the Suneka.

Children cry at the sight of the Suneka.

Suneka also pray so that Yoshihama will have a good agricultural harvest and fishing catch. Complimenting this, the Suneka wear a straw barrel and cape, and have abalone shells hanging from their waist. The sound made from the abalone shells also lets households know when the Suneka are coming. In addition to their garments, the Suneka’s mask is also an important part of the custom. Suneka have various types of masks, which can appear as ogres, horses and dragons.

The Suneka are thought of as spirits that come down from the mountains. When asked where they came from, the Suneka answer that they came down from the mountains, such as Mt. Goyo, which towers over the cities of Ofunato and Kamaishi, and the town of Sumita. At the end of their visit, the people of Yoshihama give their thanks, and the Suneka disappear off into the night.

While the Suneka tradition was traditionally done by the local youth association, in 1995, the community leaders created the Suneka Preservation Committee, which is in charge of management and recruiting. In 2001, school children also began to participate as Suneka. The custom of Suneka has been maintained through the perseverance of Yoshihama’s people, and it was also recognized as Intangible Folk Cultural Property by the Japanese government in 2004.

The Suneka of Yoshihama takes place once a year and it is held as a custom only directed at the local homes of Yoshihama. The Suneka Preservation Committee asks for your understanding in this and appreciates your kind support for the continuation of this tradition.

Perhaps the Suneka’s resolve will inspire you to persist and keep your spirits up this winter.