Onidaiko - Demon Drumming

The Japanese word “Oni” roughly translates to “demon” in English. However, on Sado Island, Oni are seen as friendly deities that ward off evil by dancing and playing the taiko drum. This is called “Onidaiko” (demon drumming) – or “Ondeko” in the local dialect.

It is unknown when the tradition of Onidaiko began on Sado Island. The oldest known record is an illustration of the Aikawa Festival dating back to around 1744. Onidaiko is often performed at local temple and shrine festivals, especially around April (rice planting season) and October (rice harvesting season), to pray for an abundant crop. Though not official events, you may also happen upon an Onidaiko performance during an “off-season” stroll, when they perform “Kadozuke” within their community, going from door to door to cleanse every household of harmful energy. The Oni dances to the rhythm of the taiko drum, then enters the house, taking all the bad energy upon itself. When it emerges, the Oni brushes off the bad energy sticking to its hair and body with drumsticks while dancing and drums it into the taiko. Afterwards, the drum must be taken to the village’s shrine or temple to be ritually purified.

Sado’s Onidaiko can be divided into five different styles based on characteristics of their dancing, drum rhythm, costumes, and props. The most common is the “Katagami-style,” practiced mainly in the center of the island. This style is thought to have been influenced by Noh, as the tempo is generally slower and the Oni dance using “Suriashi” (sliding steps), a move distinctive to Noh. Occasionally, “Shishi” (Chinese lions) join the performance.

The “Mamemaki-style” belongs to Aikawa, where the Gold Mine is located. Here, an old man dances around the Oni, scattering beans, while the Oni, carrying a long sword, remains standing for the most part.

Along the middle of the southern coastline, they perform in the “Maehama-style.” Two Oni dance together, sometimes joined by a person clad in yellow directing them. Flute playing also accompanies the drum.

The “Issoku-style” can be found in the Ogi area and is characterized by the Oni jumping on one foot while playing the drum. Usually, Onidaiko is performed wearing a mask, but in this style, they sometimes dance bare-faced.

The rarest style is the “Hanagasa-style,” performed only in two villages on the eastern tip of Sado. The Oni are one part of a larger performance that includes a lion dance and a folk song performance.

Although this categorization into five groups exists, no two Onidaiko performances are exactly alike among the approximately 120 villages with an Onidaiko group, and the tradition is passed on only orally. The event “Ondeko Dot-com,” held annually in May, presents a great opportunity to see many different Onidaiko troupes perform in one venue.