Ghost-faced Taiko Drums Scare Kids in Seconds, But the Terrifying Oni Are Actually Super Sweet Guys

▲ Performers of the Gojinmuyou Taiko wear scary demon masks to frighten enemies.

By Chen Ruizhong / Compiled Report

The 440-year-old "Gojinmuyou Taiko" from Ishikawa Prefecture, Japan, will perform for three consecutive days starting today (April 29) at the Kagaya in Beitou. Recognized as an intangible cultural asset, the Gojinmuyou Taiko was originally used to intimidate enemies on the battlefield. So when performers wearing terrifying masks strike their drums today, the sound immediately draws cries of fright from children—eliciting bursts of laughter and showcasing the sheer power of the ghost-faced drums.

Japan’s Ishikawa Prefecture Intangible Cultural Asset “Gojinmuyou Ghost-faced Taiko” Performs in Beitou＜＜＜ Watch the Video Here

In 1576, when the Sengoku-era warlord Uesugi Kenshin invaded the Noto Peninsula, unarmed farmers carved masks from tree bark, used seaweed as wigs, and danced wildly while drumming at night—successfully scaring off Uesugi’s armored army. This led to the preservation of the Gojinmuyou Taiko to this day, and it was officially designated as an intangible cultural asset of Ishikawa Prefecture.

▲ In addition to drumming, the performance also features exaggerated body movements.

During the show, drummers wear masks representing ghosts, oni (demons), and Daruma, using alternating fast and slow drumbeats to create an eerie yet powerful atmosphere. Each character also performs wild, exaggerated movements on stage to convey raw energy.

After about 20 minutes of performance, the audience and guests gave the six-member drum troupe a warm round of applause and came up one by one to take photos with them. But then, one member took the host aside and whispered something.It turned out that the performer noticed a mobility-impaired elderly woman in a wheelchair among the audience and was concerned she might have trouble coming up for a group photo. So he offered to come down and take a picture with her instead.

▲ Despite wearing terrifying masks, the performers went backstage to thank and take photos with the mobility-impaired guest—a heartwarming moment.

Even though everyone wore scary ghost masks, each drummer kindly posed for photos and shook hands with the elderly woman, instantly transforming from fearsome oni and ghosts into total sweethearts. It became the most touching scene after an exhilarating performance.

According to Kitakou Shuji, head of the Gojinmuyou Taiko Preservation Association, only local men from Myōjū Town can become performers of the Gojinmuyou Taiko. Therefore, how to pass on this 440-year-old culture has become a crucial issue for the community. The Nikko Kagaya stated that the performers all have 40–50 years of experience and were specially invited to celebrate the hotel’s sixth anniversary in Taiwan. The performance will take place at 6:00 PM on April 29 to May 1 on the sixth floor of the Kagaya, and is free to watch for all in-house guests.