Akita Prefecture

The Akita-inu is a breed of dog originating in the prefecture. (© Pixta)

A hearty kiritanpo nabe is the perfect meal in wintry Akita. (© Pixta)

Statues of namahage ogres on the Oga Peninsula. In 2018 they were inscribed on UNESCO’s list of intangible cultural heritage as part of “Raiho-shin, Ritual Visits of Deities in Masks and Costumes” taking place in eight prefectures across Japan. (© Pixta)

Akita Governor Satake Norihisa introduces Ndatchi, the prefectural mascot, a robot in the form of a namahage child who has come from the future to spread the word about Akita’s charms. (© Jiji)