On New Year's Eve, performers dress as terrifying monsters called namahage. They barge into people's homes, condemning laziness and frightening children. But this good-natured tradition strengthens family and community bonds. In Tayazawa, a small village in Akita Prefecture, the practice came to an end several years ago, but was recently restarted by an enthusiastic group of locals. They made costumes and succeeded in reviving a custom at risk of slipping away.