Uploaded September 2025 | Updated September 2026, 1 day ago
In the northern reaches of Japan, on the rugged Oga Peninsula in Akita Prefecture, the centuries-old tradition of the **namahage** remains vibrantly alive. Each year on December 31st, young men don fearsome masks and straw costumes to embody these folkloric spirits. They visit homes across dozens of villages, scolding misbehaving children and driving away misfortune.
These ritual visits are more than theatrical—they are believed to usher in rich harvests, bountiful fishing, and good fortune for the coming year. In Akita, the namahage have played this vital role for hundreds of years, preserving a unique cultural heritage that continues to thrive.
Captured using the Sigma 35mm F1.2 DG II | Art lens, attached to the Sigma fp L camera.
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The wide-standard prime redefined.
Learn more | sigmauk.com
In 2019, Sigma released the 35mm F1.2 DG DN | Art, the world’s first 35mm mirrorless camera lens with an F1.2 aperture. Six years later, Sigma is proud to introduce its successor, the 35mm F1.2 DG II | Art.
Designed and engineered with Sigma’s latest technology, the 35mm F1.2 DG II | Art offers not only improved optical performance, but also greatly enhanced portability thanks to a significant size reduction of approximately 30%. With its improved design, the lens delivers unparalleled rendering power, high-resolution clarity and large, beautiful bokeh in a more portable form. Focus breathing is also effectively minimized, ensuring outstanding results not only in still photography, but also when shooting video.
The Sigma 35mm F1.2 DG II | Art is an exceptional, uncompromising lens that achieves the perfect balance of optical performance, brightness, compact size, light weight and ease of use.
In the northern reaches of Japan, on the rugged Oga Peninsula in Akita Prefecture, the centuries-old tradition of the **namahage** remains vibrantly alive. Each year on December 31st, young men don fearsome masks and straw costumes to embody these folkloric spirits. They visit homes across dozens of villages, scolding misbehaving children and driving away misfortune.
These ritual visits are more than theatrical—they are believed to usher in rich harvests, bountiful fishing, and good fortune for the coming year. In Akita, the namahage have played this vital role for hundreds of years, preserving a unique cultural heritage that continues to thrive.
Captured using the Sigma 35mm F1.2 DG II | Art lens, attached to the Sigma fp L camera.
---
The wide-standard prime redefined.
Learn more | sigmauk.com
In 2019, Sigma released the 35mm F1.2 DG DN | Art, the world’s first 35mm mirrorless camera lens with an F1.2 aperture. Six years later, Sigma is proud to introduce its successor, the 35mm F1.2 DG II | Art.
Designed and engineered with Sigma’s latest technology, the 35mm F1.2 DG II | Art offers not only improved optical performance, but also greatly enhanced portability thanks to a significant size reduction of approximately 30%. With its improved design, the lens delivers unparalleled rendering power, high-resolution clarity and large, beautiful bokeh in a more portable form. Focus breathing is also effectively minimized, ensuring outstanding results not only in still photography, but also when shooting video.
The Sigma 35mm F1.2 DG II | Art is an exceptional, uncompromising lens that achieves the perfect balance of optical performance, brightness, compact size, light weight and ease of use.
