The Onga Performance Group
Based at the Oga Gofu event hall in Oga Onsen, the Onga troupe, which formed in 2001, is composed of young part-time local taiko drummers with a passion for their performances. The group emphasizes effort over professionalism, and usually turns down offers to participate in big-time shows outside Oga. Despite this, the routines maintain a very high quality, and the performers display remarkable endurance by pounding the drums and beating on a gong for up to 15 minutes without pause.
Onga’s Namahage-Daiko shows usually start with “Shinzan,” the troupe’s signature piece, which features intimidating Namahage movement and intense drumming sequences. The performance is intended to give the audience a sense of being transported to the sacred, snow-covered mountains of Oga.