Namahage Performance, Part 8: The Namahage Log and the Daughter-in-Law
Next, the Namahage turn their attention to Ichiro’s mother, Mitsuko. The head of the household is very fond of his daughter-in-law, and considers her both a hard worker and a good wife. His son and Mitsuko have been married for 15 years—more than enough time for her to become a full-fledged member of the community, one would think, even though Mitsuko comes from another village. But the Namahage appear to have it in for her. They criticize her for not waking up early to make breakfast for the family.
When the head of the household protests that his mother prepares the morning meal for everyone so that she can stay healthy and occupied, the Namahage dismiss this as an excuse. They reveal that Mitsuko often goes out with her friends until late at night, a fact that the head of the household claims he was unaware of because he goes to bed early.
The Namahage become increasingly agitated and threaten to search the host’s home again. The back-and-forth continues; the head of the household tenaciously stands up for his family by pleading with the Namahage to put their logbook away and drink more sake instead.