Every year since the mid-17th century, when a freak snowstorm stopped the shogun’s enforcer and saved them from a death sentence, the people of the mountain hamlet of Damine have performed a kabuki play to honor the goddess of mercy. They’ve never missed a year, not even during World War II. But, as with so much of rural Japan, all but the oldest people are gradually abandoning Damine for cities with better jobs. – The New York Times