The onikembai is a folk performing art that has been handed down by farmers in the Kitakami area, with a history of around 1300 years. Buddha is prayed to for salvation, evil spirits of the land driven away with stomping known as henbai, and the dance also contains wishes for peace across the land and a rich harvest.
The Kitakami Shonan High School Oni Kembai Club receives guidance from Iwasaki Onikembai, a government-designated Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property. At the All Japan High School Cultural Festival, it has received the Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology Prize once, and the Commissioner for Cultural Affairs Prize three times. It also performs at nursing homes for the elderly and at various events.