Eisā – An Okinawan folk dance that often is performed near the end of July that accompanies the Bon Festival. The significance of this dance is rooted in Buddhist beliefs in which the dance is performed in order to send the spirits of the deceased to the next world. An Eisā ensemble usually consists of 20-30 performers, but during certain celebrations, can consist up to several hundred participants performing in an entire city block! A typical Eisā ensemble consists of a Sanshin singers, banner guard, three types of drummers (carrying heavy, medium, and hand sized drums), female dancers, and a clown who doubles as a comedian and to ensure the ensemble is in their proper positions. If you’re interested in learning more, please see the Eisā section for more details.

Kachāshī – A free style dance that is often accompanied with the sound of the Sanshin. There are no specific forms to this dance and often, the audience is invited to dance alongside the musicians and other dancers.

Ryukyu Buyo – Traditional Okinawan dancing that is usually performed on the stage in front of an audience. There are a variety of clothing used in these dances such as a yellow kimono known as the “Bingata”. Performers sometimes sport white face paint. While there are a variety of dances, Ryukyu Buyo is often slower paced and relaxing.

Sanshin - This three string musical instrument is derived from the Chinese “Sanxian”, and is the precursor of the Japanese “Shamisen”. Some of the most distinctive features of the Sanshin are its use of only three strings which range from thick, medium, and thin, and the use of snake skin on the body. It is often played with a large pick made out of the horns of a water buffalo. Due to the wide spread poverty during the post war period, many Okinawans built Sanshins out of tin cans, which are called “kankara” sanshin. Today many Sanshins have bodies covered in pseudo snake skin while kankara Sanshins are still being produced.

Ushi Zumo – Also referred to as Okinawan bull fighting, in which two bulls are pitted against each other in an arena. Originally a past time among Okinawa’s rural farmers, many are allured to the match between these two beasts who duel until the other retreats. Aside from the dueling bulls, many are also allured to their energetic handlers who can be quite vocal in the support of their prized animal.

Karate – Perhaps the most widely known Okinawan sport is Karate! While the sport is known internationally, few are aware of its Okinawan origins. Derived from Fujian style Kung Fu, Karate developed approximately in the 17th century due to a weapons ban emplaced by the Satsuma. Literally translated as “empty fist”, Karate was employed by the “Pechin” class in order to fight with out weapons. There are numerous styles of Karate, such as “Shuri-te” developed by Matsumura Sokon, and “Shorin-ryu” developed by Matsumura’s disciple, Anko Itotsu. Goju-ryu by Miyagi Chojun