Japan’s legendary Ondekoza performance at Yunlin Agri-Expo wows audiences — visitors say it’s worth every penny!

▲ The world-famous Japanese Ondekoza will be at the Yunlin Agri-Expo from the 8th to the 14th, putting on one show per day from 3:00 to 4:00 PM. Many who caught their spectacular performance over the weekend said: “Absolutely worth the price!” (Photo / Courtesy of Yunlin County Government official website, same below)

Travel Center / Comprehensive Report

The internationally renowned Japanese Ondekoza has set up at the Yunlin Agricultural Expo venue, performing once daily from 3:00 to 4:00 PM from now until February 14th. Visitors who have seen the performance are all praising it, saying: “For just one or two hundred NT dollars, you get to witness such amazing artistry — totally worth it!”

Last Saturday (the 8th) afternoon, Ondekoza held its first performance at Yunlin’s Huwei Agri-Expo Park, attracting over 3,000 spectators. The Yunlin County Government’s Cultural Affairs Bureau noted that February 8th to 14th marks the Japanese Culture Week at the Expo’s Straw Hat Theater, with five more performances scheduled from the 10th to the 14th. For just 150 NT dollars, audiences can enjoy this world-famous act.

Mr. Tsai from Chiayi said that Ondekoza performances in Taiwan usually start at four or five hundred NT dollars, with the most expensive ones going up to three thousand. He only paid two hundred NT and got to see such an outstanding show — what a great deal. Even in the cold weather, the performers were only wearing fundoshi (traditional loincloths), which he found even more admirable.

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The county government’s Cultural Affairs Bureau explained that members of the Ondekoza troupe wake up at 4:00 AM every day to immediately start with long-distance running and morning drills. They eat only simple meals and follow a strict routine of reading and music practice. They firmly believe that physical training helps suppress worldly desires, and their commitment to a disciplined, communal lifestyle is what builds the astonishing energy behind their globally acclaimed performances.

ThisThe Ondekoza troupe has prepared a nearly one-hour performance, primarily featuring bamboo flutes and shakuhachi, playing soft, gentle melodies that contrast with the powerful taiko drums. The rhythm shifts like a sudden downpour, then mellows into a drizzle, with waves of drumbeats propelling the audience’s emotions forward before suddenly coming to an abrupt halt — it’s as thrilling as a rollercoaster ride.Especially captivating are the breathy sounds from the shakuhachi (which resembles a Chinese xiao flute), creating an eerie sensation as if you’re in a deserted bamboo forest at midnight, hearing ghostly music slicing through the air.

This gripping performance also includes lighthearted interludes, such as the shakuhachi playing the tune of “The Moon Represents My Heart,” while Ondekoza performers take out the traditional Japanese toy kendama. They keep rhythm as the wooden ball flies through the air, mimicking drumbeats — a playful act that has been a big hit with the audience.