Category Archives: Performing Arts

Toumaiahkah is an Okinawan version of Romeo and Juliet created by actor Ganeko Yaei in 1911. The Romeo of this story, Tarukani from Akajima (阿喜島), falls in love with Umichiru. Sprung, he writes poetry for Umichiru, but she burns them… … Continue reading →

Okuyama no Botan (English title: The Peony of the Deep Mountains) is one of the famous, tragic Okinawan Plays along with Iejima Handuguwa and Toumaiahkah. Due to his father’s dissipated life, the son from a loyal family lived in the … Continue reading →

Kumiodori is a blended arrangement of Nou, Kyogen, and Odorinembutsu performing arts, listed as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2010. A theatrical performance including Ryukyu music, dancing, and acting, its themes are often of poetic justice.

Videos of the joint performance of classical Okinawan dance with Chicago Okinawa Kenjinkai and Kariyushi Kai. http://www.veoh.com/channels/2004Kariyushikai

Eisa (Excerpt from Keys to Okinawan Culture, published by the Okinawan Prefectural Government, 1992) The eisa, a folk performing art, is a dynamic, spirited dance intrinsic to a midsummer festival called Bon, or Festival of the Dead, which takes place … Continue reading →

Jump to… (within this article) Introduction The four genres of Ryukyuan Dance The origin of the "crown ship dances" Classical dance The birth of zo odori (popular dance) Dance costumes and accoutrements The music of Okinawa Conclusion Kajadifu Bushi  "Kiyu … Continue reading →

  the island of songs and dances   An Introduction to Ryukyuan Dance Okinawa Folk Arts:  Eisa