This form of folk entertainment has been passed down in Toshima since the Genroku era (1688-1704). The people of the former Nagasaki Village would gather at their village shrine, which still stands today as Nagasaki Shrine, and dance to pray for the elimination of epidemics and disasters, an abundant harvest, rain, protection from evil, and peace. The lively, soul-stirring dance is performed by youths wearing carved wooden masks with jet-black chicken feathers trailing down their backs and taiko drums slung over their stomachs. It is performed every year at Nagasaki Shrine’s festival on the second Sunday in May.