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- Performing Arts Workshops on Sado Island Summer 2025
Performing Arts Workshops on Sado Island Summer 2025
Experience Sado Island’s Performing Arts Through Mini-Workshops
Discover Onidaiko, Bunya Puppetry, Noh Theatre and More!
Sado Island, once a place of exile for aristocrats and intellectuals, became a cultural melting pot as people from across Japan migrated here—especially after the Edo period, when the Sado Gold Mines flourished. Over 400 years of history have shaped the island’s rich performing arts traditions, earning it the nickname "treasure trove of performing arts."
This summer, the Sado Cultural Foundation invites you to explore the island’s vibrant culture through song, dance, and theatre. Held on Sundays from June to August, these one-hour workshops offer a rare opportunity to:
- ・ Learn about Sado’s performing arts and their ties to the gold mines
- ・ Handle traditional instruments and try out movements
- ・ Gain insight into how to appreciate these art forms
Workshop Details
Fee: 500 yen (Adults) | Free for high school students and under
Capacity: 30 people (first come, first served)
Booking: No reservations required
English Support: English support is not available, but international visitors are warmly welcomed—all you need is a respectful attitude and curiosity for Sado's traditions.
Capacity: 30 people (first come, first served)
Booking: No reservations required
English Support: English support is not available, but international visitors are warmly welcomed—all you need is a respectful attitude and curiosity for Sado's traditions.
Workshops in June
June 8 (Sun) – Folk Song & Dance Workshop
Group: Sugiyama Minyukai
Theme: "What is Sado Okesa Like at a Night Festival?"
Time & Location: 14:00–15:00 @ Ai-port Sado (near Ryotsu Ferry Terminal)
About: Experience the lively folk songs of Sado and a dance once performed during Aikawa’s summer Mine Festival.
June 29 (Sun) – Oni-daiko Workshop
Group: Kasuga Oni Troupe
Theme: "The Bravery of Kasuga Oni"
Time & Location: 14:00–15:00 @ Ai-port Sado
About: Discover Ondeko, Sado’s iconic drumming tradition, with one of the island’s 120 unique troupes.
Workshops in July
July 13 (Sun) – Bunya Puppetry Workshop
Group: Nourafutabaza
Theme: "Sado Puppet Show"
Time & Location: 14:00–15:00 @ Ai-port Sado
About: Witness the rare Fumiya puppets in a gripping tale of family drama, "The Life of Rennyo Shonin."
Workshops in August
August 10 (Sun) – Kyogen (Noh Comedy) Workshop
Group: Nourafutabaza
Theme: "Faith in Performing Arts"
Time & Location: 14:00–15:00 @ Kanai Noh Gakudo
About: This nearly lost comedic theater style, survives today in only three regions—including Sado. Discover the charm of this rare art form!
August 11 (Monday - holiday) – Oni-daiko Workshop
Group: Akata Onidaiko Hozonkai
Theme: "Noh and Oni-daiko"
Time & Location: 14:00–15:00 @ Kanai Noh Gakudo
About: Learn the "Katagami style," a dance blending Noh theater movements with demon drumming, passed down since the Edo period.
August 31 (Sunday) – Noruma Puppet Workshop
Group: Shinseiza
Theme: "The Charm of Sado-ben (Sado Dialect)"
Time & Location: 14:00–15:00 @ Kanai Noh Gakudo
About: Noruma puppetry features playful storytelling in the local dialect. Enjoy a special two-act performance full of humor and heart.
Organized By
Host: Sado Cultural Foundation
Co-host: Sado City
Supporters: Sado Kisen Co., Ltd., Sado Tourism Association, Sado City Board of Education
For inquiries:
Sado Cultural Foundation
533 Hatano-ko, Sado City, 952-0206
0259-58-9112 (Weekdays 9:00–17:00)
Co-host: Sado City
Supporters: Sado Kisen Co., Ltd., Sado Tourism Association, Sado City Board of Education
For inquiries:
Sado Cultural Foundation
533 Hatano-ko, Sado City, 952-0206
0259-58-9112 (Weekdays 9:00–17:00)