King and queen kick off Shurijo Castle Festival one year after fire

King and queen kick off Shurijo Castle Festival one year after fire

The festival’s king and queen—Tomoaki Takara and Seika Kamiyama, captivating spectators with brightly colored costumes on October 31.


October 31, 2020 Ryukyu Shimpo

The Shurijo Castle Festival, which reenacts the Ryukyu Kingdom’s magnificent ceremonies and traditions, was canceled last year after a fire destroyed the Shurijo Castle’s main hall. This year, the festival
(organized by its executive committee) opened on October31, with the festival’s king and queen—Tomoaki Takara and Seika Kamiyama, respectively—kicking off the festivities in the shutsugyo (royal arrival) event at 11 a.m. and captivated spectators with their brightly colored royal costumes.

The festival’s king and queen—Tomoaki Takara and Seika Kamiyama, captivating spectators with brightly colored costumes on October 31.


As a precaution against the novel coronavirus, the Shurijo Castle Festival reduced its capacity this year; the Ryukyu Dynasty Picture Scroll Parade, held every year on Kokusai Street, was canceled, as was the king and queen selection contest. Takara and Kamiyama, last year’s winners, continued their roles as king and queen. Nevertheless, spectators can enjoy Okinawan traditional performance arts during the Shurijo Castle Festival, which will be held through November 3.

(English translation by T&CT and Monica Shingaki)

Go to Japanese


　


Previous Article:
Next Article:

[Similar Articles]