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Until now, you may have experienced Kasuga Onidaiko, Hamakawachi Onidaiko and Minamikatabe Ontaiko through EC workshops. This year, join us for the first-ever two-day, overnight tour where you will be able to experience on of the three companies in their home villages and visit the shrines and garages where they rehearse for their matsuri performances. At the end of the two days, participants from all three villages will come together at the Harbour Market for a special presentation. Come enjoy mingling with the local youth and immerse yourself in the authentic art in the lives of each village.
[About the Onidaiko of Hamakawachi]
Every year on April 3, the young men of Sado’s Hamakawachi perform Onidaiko to usher in the spring-festival season on the island. Hamakawachi-style Onidaiko features two demons who dance to a taiko and flute accompaniment (the locals call this dancing “drumming”). It is called Maehama-ryu Onidaiko, and it is characterized by the roso, a guide for the demons who delivers a spoken message to each house that gives the dancers an offering. Leaving the shrine at 6:00 am, the demons and a lion dance team visit about thirty homes, performing door-to-door, returning to the shrine around 8:00 pm for the climax of the festival. At the finale, the scene of people calling out “Taisho, Taisho!” with their arms around each other’s shoulders as they cheer on the dancing demons is a warm reminder that spring has come.
