Ryukyuan dance supporting Shuri reconstruction performed in front of Imperial Palace as part of dance exhibition

Ryukyuan dance supporting Shuri reconstruction performed in front of Imperial Palace as part of dance exhibition

The dance “Yotsutake” being performed as a prayer for the reconstruction of Shuri Castle against the backdrop of the Japanese Imperial Palace – March 14, at the Imperial Palace Gardens in Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo (Copyright: The Japan Arts Council)


March 16, 2021 Ryukyu Shimpo

 

Tokyo – The Japan Cultural Expo Imperial Garden Special Dance Performance “Inori no kachi” (hosted by the Agency for Cultural Affairs, Ministry of the Environment, and the Japan Arts Council) was held March 14 on a specially constructed stage in front of the Imperial Palace and Nijuubashi, where a Ryukyuan dance was performed in prayer for the reconstruction of Shuri Castle, which was destroyed in a fire.

The exhibition was part of the “Japan Cultural Expo” cultural program run by the Japanese government. Dances such as “Yotsutake,” “Zei,” and “Shundo”  were elegantly performed under a clear blue sky by Yukichi Agarie, Sato Shingaki, Seigi Tamagusuku, and Shigeo Miyagi. Against the backdrop of the palace’s stone walls and moats, the spectators enjoyed the Ryukyu Kingdom era dances that had an atmosphere reminiscent of the Ryukyuan missions to Edo.

After the performance, Agarie said, “I filled my dance with prayer for the reconstruction of Shuri Castle. It reminded me of the Ryukyuan missions to Edo, and was a good experience.” Shingaki said, “I want to pass down the Ryukyuan dance to the next generation, preventing it from going extinct.”

In addition to the Ryukyuan dances, which were performed on the final day of the exhibition, which opened on March 12, there were also Kyogen and short Noh plays performed by masters.

(English translation by T&CT and Sam Grieb)

 

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