Japanese Masks
Like many ancient cultures all around the planet, Japan has used and produced various types of masks that were probably originally used in rituals and magic and that later developed into storytelling and theatre.
Outside of the various types of masked theatre, numerous participants in festivals wear masks.
There are many recognizable types of masks that are found all over the country and can be said to represent a purely Japanese style, but many regions and localities have unique forms not found elsewhere in the country.
In Japan, masks are considered to possess power and so are used not just as decoration but also to protect shrines, temples, and increasingly homes.