【Ended】Ondeko of Sado and the Niigata University : The Craft and Heritage of Oni-Masks
June 27, 2026 – August 8, 2026
Sado Island is home to a rich heritage of traditional performing arts that continue to be sustained by local communities. Among them, Oni Daiko (Demon Drum Dance), affectionately known as Ondeko, remains one of the island’s most beloved traditions.
A defining feature of Oni Daiko is its remarkable diversity. Each village has developed its own distinctive style and takes great pride in preserving it. During annual festivals, house-to-house performances and shrine offerings bring communities together in vibrant celebration. Today, however, Oni Daiko faces challenges shared by many folk traditions across Japan. As the population declines, it is becoming increasingly difficult to secure successors—not only performers but also artisans skilled in crafting the masks used in the dances.
This exhibition presents research by a graduate student at Niigata University on the masks of Oni Daiko, focusing on regional variations in their design and on the transmission of mask-making techniques. It also highlights collaborative projects between the Faculty of Humanities at Niigata University and the Sado City Board of Education, showcasing cultural and academic exchanges fostered through fieldwork, classes, and symposiums on Sado Island.
We hope this exhibition will deepen visitors’ appreciation of Oni Daiko and the cultural heritage it represents.
Overview
Period
June 27, 2026 – August 8, 2026
Venue
Niigata University Asahimachi Museum
(2-746 Asahimachi-dori, Chuou-ku, Niigata 951-8122)
Opening Hours
10:00 am – 12:00 pm, 1:00 – 4:30 pm
* Closed at 12:00 – 1:00 pm
Closed
Sundays and Mondays
Credit
Organized by : Niigata University Asahimachi Museum
Supported by : Sado City / Sado Cultural Foundation (General Incorporated Foundation)
Sponsored by : Sadoya Nippon Co., Ltd.
Related Events
1. Gallery talk
A gallery talk will be held by the graduate students and faculty members who planned this exhibition.
They will introduce highlights of the Oni-Masks and share the ideas and intentions behind the exhibition.
Date and Time
June 27, July 18, 2026, each day 2:00 pm -（about 30 minutes to 1 hour）
Venue
Niigata University Asahimachi Museum
(2-746 Asahimachi-dori, Chuo-ku, Niigata 951-8122)
Speakers
The graduate students and faculty members who planned this exhibition and others
How to Participate
No registration required. Please come directly to the venue.
Participation Fee
Free
2. Ondeko Performance and Hands-on Workshop
Ondeko is a Shinto ritual performed to pray for a good harvest and the fulfillment of wishes, as well as for protection from misfortune. We invite you to experience a powerful live performance by the Sado Traditional Performing Arts Group, Essa, on this special occasion. After the performance, a hands-on workshop will be held where participants can try the drums and dance movements.
Date and Time
July 4, 2026, 2:00 – 3:00 pm
※Performance: 2:00 pm (approx. 20 minutes)
Venue
Niigata University Faculth of medical Yujin Memorial Hall
（1-757 Asahimachi-dori, Chuou-ku, Niigata 951-8510）
※There is no parking available at the venue. Please use public transportation or nearby paid parking facilities.
Instructor
Sado Traditional Performing Arts Group, Essa
This group was formed by people from Sado and those who love Sado. Their goal is to share Onidaiko, a traditional performing art of Sado, with a wider audience.
They are based in Niigata City and perform at local festivals, company events, and welfare facilities. They also travel outside the prefecture to perform at events that promote Niigata.
How to Participate
【Performance】
Free admission. No registration required. Anyone can view it. Please come directly to the venue.
【Workshop】
Free admission. Registration required (Limited to 50 participants. First-come, first-served).
Please register using one of the following methods. (Registration opens: Friday, June 12, at 10:00 a.m.)
①Registration Form : Please access this form, fill in the required information, and submit your application.
②Phone : Please call Niigata University Asahimachi Museum (Tel: 025-227-2260) to register.