Photo Feature: Traditional Events in Okinawa “We’ll Go All Out when Things are Under Control” Okinawan Passion Undiminished

Photo Feature: Traditional Events in Okinawa “We’ll Go All Out when Things are Under Control” Okinawan Passion Undiminished

Otsunahiki – At the Yonabaru Great Tug-of-War, an exciting game takes place between East and West. (August 4, 2019, Yonabaru Udunyama Youth Field


September 22, 2020 Ryukyu Shimpo

In a normal year, summer and fall are busy with traditional events held in each part of Okinawa. These include Honensai, harvest festivals to give thanks for that year’s harvest and pray for a bumper crop the next year; Usudeku, a dance to pray for peace and safety; and Great Tug-of-War events. However, this year, one after another the festivals were scaled down or canceled due to the spread of the novel coronavirus. The citizens of Okinawa pray for an end to the pandemic and look forward to holding the festivals next year. In this article, we have collected pictures from the events of past years to introduce a few of the many traditional events passed down in Okinawa.

Kitsugansai – The Miroku Parade at Kohama Island’s Kitsugan Festival. The festival is designated as an Important Intangible Cultural Property of Japan. (October 22, 2009, Taketomi, Kohama Island)


Shinugu – The Ada Shinugu is designated as an Important Intangible Cultural Property of Japan. (August 28, 2017, Ada, Kunigami)


Hachi-gatsu Odori – The beautiful sisters Ogama and Kuigama appear in the Kumi Odori called Chushin Nakasone Toyomiya-gumi during the August Dance Festival of Tarama. (September 6, 2019, Ntabaru Uganju in Nakasuji, Tarama)


Eisa – The Moromizato Youth Association of Okinawa City enthrall spectators with their powerful Eisa dance. (August 23, 2019, Koza Gate Street, Okinawa City)


Shichi – The Anga Parade led by the Fudachimi, an element unique to the Shichi festival held in the village of Sonai. (October 4, 2001, Maedomari Beach in Iriomote, Iriomote Island)


Bojutsu – At the Honensai of Imadomari, Nakijin, residents display their powerful Bojutsu. (September 10, 2011, Imadomari, Nakijin)


Shishimai – The Lion Dance performed at the Shuri Sueyoshi Jugoya Festival. This dance has a 250-year history. (October 7, 2017, Shuri Sueyoshi Community Center, Naha City)


Pantu – Miyako Island’s Pantu Festival is designated as an Important Intangible Cultural Property of Japan. A child wails after being smeared with mud at the Pantu Punaha in Shimajiri. (October 9, 2012, Hirara, Miyakojima)


Mushama – The teku (taiko) of the Higashi-gumi at Mushama, the largest event on Hateruma Island. (August 14, 2019, Taketomi, Hateruma Island)


(English translation by T&CT and Ellen Huntley)

Go to Japanese


　


Previous Article:
Next Article:

[Similar Articles]