Earth Celebration on Sado Island : Music Without Borders - Part 3
Hands-On with Tradition: Amber’s Onidaiko
Shimokuji Onidaiko Workshop
The Earth Celebration isn't just about stage performances and food; one of the best ways to immerse yourself in the Sado adventure is by joining one of the festival's incredible workshops. Amber, eager to dive deeper into Sado's traditions, participated in the Onidaiko workshop led by the Shimokuji Onidaiko Preservation Society. Though oni often translates to demon or ogre, the oni of Sado Island's folklore is quite different from the fearsome figures of traditional stories. Here, the onis are revered as friendly deities who ward off evil through a mesmerizing dance and taiko drumming.
"The learning experience was incredibly enjoyable!" Amber shared. She appreciated the introduction, where the history and significance of Onidaiko were explained, and watching the professionals demonstrate the dance in traditional Oni costumes was captivating. "The teacher was very kind and guided me through the practice, even though I'm not a natural dancer, which I greatly appreciated," she added.
Amber wasn't the only participant to leave with a memorable experience. Another attendee described the workshop as a "wonderful and unique experience" and praised Kodo for sharing this specific regional style that is normally difficult to access unless you live on Sado Island. "The fact that Kodo is putting this on and sharing this with the world is amazing," she shared. For them, the opportunity to learn from Kodo was too good to pass up. "We've always wanted to go to the Earth Celebration, and now that we live in Tokyo, we knew we had to come," remarked another participant who had relocated to Japan earlier this year.
Since the 1700s, Onidaiko has been performed at festivals, particularly in April before the rice planting season, to pray for abundant crops and in September before harvest to give thanks. Today, Onidaiko can be witnessed not only during festival seasons but also during Kadozuke, an off-season tradition where the oni visits homes, cleansing them of bad energy. With each rhythmic beat of the taiko, the oni absorbs and dispels negativity, ensuring the community thrives under their watchful protection.
Amber noticed a deep connection between the drumming and Sado Island's cultural and spiritual traditions. "The drumming seems integral to Sado Island's culture and spirituality," Amber reflected. "From what I understood, and from the sticker of good fortune we received after the workshop, the drumming symbolizes warding off evil and invoking good luck."
Her favorite part of the workshop? "Getting the chance to immerse myself in the culture," she said. "I really enjoyed dancing to the sound of the drum, even though I wasn't great at it. There were small moments when I felt a connection to the drumming, and that was really special for me." Another participant echoed her sentiment, explaining how the experience exceeded expectations: "I didn't know it was going to be this fun, but now I hope to return every year."
In the end, the Onidaiko workshop offered more than just a chance to learn taiko drumming—it provided a meaningful connection to the cultural and spiritual heart of Sado Island. The sense of camaraderie and shared joy among participants made the experience unforgettable, fostering a deeper appreciation for the island's rich traditions.
Embracing Sustainability
Sustainability has also become a core value of the Earth Celebration. True to its name, the festival is committed to reducing its environmental impact through various eco-friendly initiatives, such as providing reusable wooden cutlery and encouraging visitors to segregate waste with categorized bins throughout the venue. "It's about protecting the Earth while celebrating its cultures," the organizer notes, reflecting the festival's more profound mission to foster unity not just among people but between people and the planet.
Amber was particularly impressed by the festival's absence of plastic utensils. "One of my favorite aspects was a drink stand that served beverages in reusable bamboo cups, which could either be kept as a souvenir or returned to the shop for reuse," she shared. This thoughtful approach to reducing waste left a strong impression on her.
Through initiatives like these, the Earth Celebration raises awareness about environmental issues, showcasing practical, eco-friendly alternatives that inspire locals and visitors to make more sustainable choices in their daily lives. Today, the festival not only highlights taiko drumming but also promotes sustainability and fosters a deep connection between people, transcending ethnic, cultural, and traditional boundaries through the universal language of music.
The Heartbeat of Earth Celebration
With each passing year, the Earth Celebration continues to evolve, driven by the shared dreams of Kodo, the local community, and the thousands who journey to Sado Island. It is more than just a festival—it's a vibrant blend of music, culture, and community that invites you to fully immerse yourself in the spirit of Sado Island. From the lively performances at the Ogi Port Park Event Stage to the communal joy of dancing under the stars at the Ogi Okesa Dance Circle, the festival is a celebration of unity in diversity. Amber's journey through the Earth Celebration, filled with unforgettable performances, mouthwatering local delicacies, and hands-on workshops like the Shimokuji Onidaiko, highlights the essence of what makes this festival so special.
The Earth Celebration is an invitation to connect—through music, dance, and the shared joy of discovery. It's an experience that lingers long after the final drumbeat, leaving you with a deep appreciation for the island's cultural heartbeat and the many wonders of Japan.