Onikenbai is a traditional folk dance from the Kitakami region of Iwate prefecture, where people wearing demon-like masks and dance fiercely. They are not evil demons, but the embodiment of Buddha, which is why the masks don’t have horns. The dance is done with prayers for banishment of evil spirits, enlightenment of the masses, and abundant crops. At this performance, the group will perform a special mix of several pieces, chosen from the 18 works in their repertoire.

This association operates in Tokyo, preserving folk entertainment from Iwate’s Kitakami Region called Onikenbai. It performs as an official group at the Kitakami Michinoku Traditional Dance Festival every summer. The group is currently looking for new members to dance the Onikenbai or to play flute in the ohayashi musical accompaniment group. People who see the performance and feel moved to join, get in touch via the Futagoryu Tokyo Onikenbai website!　https://tokyo02kenbai.jimdofree.com/