demon drumming; ogre-repelling drum performance
A traditional Japanese drumming performance, often with dancers wearing demon masks, meant to drive away ogres or evil spirits. The term can also refer to the drums used in such performances.
See also: 鬼
On Setsubun, a demon drumming performance is held.
The powerful rhythm of the demon drums is said to drive away ogres.
太鼓 is a generic term for traditional Japanese drums; 鬼太鼓 specifies a particular performance style.
Standard kanji spelling for this traditional performance.
From 鬼 “demon” and 太鼓 “drum.” In the Sado performing tradition, masked demon dancers drum as a rite for driving away evil and praying for good fortune.