I saw the traditional Sado performing art 'Ondeko' (devil drumming) 'live' in Niigata City!
On 26 April, 'Onidaiko' was performed at the Marudai Niigata and Marudai Kashiwazaki shops in conjunction with the 'Sado Fair' being held by Ito-Yokado shops in Niigata Prefecture from 23-27 April 2014.
What is 'Ondeko'?
Before we go any further, a brief introduction to 'Ondeko' on Sado Island is in order.
Onidaiko is a rare classical art form found only on Sado Island. It is a type of lion dance similar to Karasangaku, so named because the demons dance like mad to the beat of the heroic drums.
Each village on Sado Island has its own style of 'Onidaiko'. Different villages have different dances and music. Onidaiko is a very important ritual dedicated to shrines to drive away demons and pray for prosperous business and a good harvest.
In April, many villages on Sado Island hold festivals, and the sound of "Onidaiko" drums can be heard from many places on the island.
- (Reference: Sado Tourist Association website http://www.visitsado.com/01outline/05culture/index.shtml )
Incidentally, the famous Sado drumming group Kodo and the Ondekoza, which used to be based on Sado Island, have also been strongly influenced by Onidaiko. (However, their performances are different from Onidaiko, as they have their own unique arrangements.)
Overwhelmed by the heroic demon dances and the sound of drums.
In recent years, "Onidaiko" has been frequently performed at events on and off Sado Island. The traditional art form is so brave that everyone stops to watch it.
The venue is in the arcade "Plat Honmachi" on Honmachi Dori in front of the Ito-Yokado Marudai Niigata Store, where the "Sado Fair" is being held. The sound of drums echoed outside the arcade to Masaya Alley.
Although it was a Saturday, the event was held a little early, starting at 9:45am, but many galleries had gathered. Many people were taking photos with digital cameras and mobile phone cameras.
Two 'demons' appear, taking turns during the performance. The 'lion dance' and 'taiko' are also performed by several people. The 'Oni' and 'Shishimai' dance to the beat of the taiko drums and are joined by the heroic shouts of the dancers.
Up close, it is quite powerful.
The performance lasted about 15 minutes, but was met with thunderous applause from the gallery.
After the performance, a lion dance bit the gallery's head. This is good luck, isn't it?
In addition, they were willing to take a commemorative photograph, so I had one taken.
This time, the 'Onidaiko' was performed by the members of the 'Shinbo Aoki Onidaiko'. The festival in the Aoki area was held on the 15th, and they actively appear at events on and off the island like this, 'when called upon'.
After another performance before lunch (from 11:45am), the show will move to the Kashiwazaki branch for two more performances in the afternoon.
The 'Sado Fair' not to be missed.
Since I was there, I also went inside the Ito-Yokado Marudai shop to see the 'Sado Fair'.
Sake from Sado Island, such as 'Kanetsuru' and 'Manotsuru', milk from Toki packs (by Sado Dairy), rarely seen in Niigata, and seafood from 'Igoneri' are just some of the products on offer.
The event will also feature a large gathering of Sado's 'Onidaiko' drummers!
The main event of the 'Onidaiko' is the festival of each village, which is not easy for tourists to visit. （The festival is usually held on a weekday (as the date is fixed), and the dedication to the village deity is usually held first thing in the morning.
This is why, in late May every year, the event SadokuniOnidaiko.com is held, bringing together 'Onidaiko' from all over Sado Island.
The location is the Ondeko Dome, a 5-minute walk from Ryotsu Port Terminal, with free admission and a number of stalls with local Sado cuisine. This year's event will take place on Sunday 25 May from 9:00-16:00, rain or shine (there is a roof).
If you would like to see Sado's Onidaiko "live", why not visit SadokuniOnidaiko.com?
Site introduction
Sado and Aoki Onidaiko Facebook page
SadokuniOnidaiko.com.
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