Onaiko Masked Hell Drama at Kosaiji Temple

About

On August 16, the Bon day when the lid of hell's cauldron is said to open, Kosaiji Temple in Yokoshibahikari performs Onaiko, a masked Buddhist drama. Said to have started in the Kamakura period about 800 years ago, it is regarded as the only classical Buddhist play of its kind in Japan, teaching that good and bad deeds bring their due results, and is designated an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property. Its 7 acts, including the Prelude, the Riverbank of Sai, the Cauldron and the Mountain of Death, depict the torments of hell and the salvation that follows. The terrifying hag demon makes some children burst into tears, while the scene where the bodhisattva Jizo rescues a child from the demons moves some adults to tears too. Midway through, the hag also holds babies in her arms in a mushifuji blessing for healthy growth.

Sources

• OfficialYokoshibahikari Town www.town.yokoshibahikari.chiba.jp
• OfficialChiba Tourism Navi (Chiba Prefectural Tourism and Products Association) maruchiba.jp

Last checked: Oct 11, 2026. Event information is based on official announcements, but changes may not always be reflected here. Please check each official website for accurate details.

Other events this month

• Noda Mikoshi Parade
• Yaegaki Shrine Gion Festival
• Chiba Oyako Sandai Summer Festival (Three Generations Festival)
• Kisarazu Port Festival (Yassai Mossai Dance and Fireworks)