#koshikijima

On New Year’s eve, the toshidon of Koshikijima, an island in west Kagoshima Prefecture, make the rounds at households with children to ask the youngsters about their conduct over the past year. During the visits children are expected to be on their best behavior, greeting  the masked spirits on their knees and taking extra care to speak politely—miffed toshidon are to be avoided. Kids are also made to sing and dance, stand at attention while getting an earful about listening to their elders, and promise to be good little tikes for the next twelve months. As a reward for enduring the trial, toshidon give out large mochi rice cakes, placing them on the children’s backs.