In those days, a total of 20 government officials, including those called Hososhi, who were responsible for expelling ogres and others called Shinshi, who supported the Hososhi, participated in the event, and they called out while walking around within the Imperial Palace and government offices.
方相氏（ほうそうし）と呼ばれる鬼を払う役目を負った役人（大舎人（おおとねり））と、方相氏の脇に仕える侲子（しんし）と呼ばれる役人（特に役職は決まっていない）が二十人で、大内裏の中を掛け声をかけつつ回った。