Language, Culture & Traditions

During the Ryukyu Kingdom era Okinawa gave birth to a rich and distinctive culture, which is quite different to that of mainland Japan. The history, and subsequently the art and culture of Okinawa, have been strongly affected by overseas influences unlike anywhere else in Japan. Through trade with China, Japan, Korea and other Southeast Asian countries in the Ryukyu era, Okinawa’s unique culture and traditions reflect a dynamic mix of characteristics and influences from various countries. The traditional performing arts of Okinawa are quite diverse, ranging from dance to music and plays. Many of these arts originate from a time when Okinawa prospered as the Ryukyu Kingdom, and have since been passed down through history to the present day. Here is an introduction to Okinawa’s traditional performing arts, which have evolved independently while also being influenced by ancient Chinese and Japanese cultures and customs.

Traditional Arts

Traditional Performing Arts

Kumiodori	The Kumiodori is a musical theater composed of words, music and dance. Created in the 18th century to entertain Chinese envoys sent by the Emperor to crown the new king of the Ryukyu Kingdom, Kumiodori is based on Okinawa’s indigenous fables and takes inspiration from Mainland Japanese performance arts suchs as Noh and Kabuki. In 1972, Kumiodori was designated a National Important Intangible Cultural Property as one of Japan’s superior performing arts, showcasing Okinawa's beauty and tradtions to the outside world.
Ryukyu Dance	Ryukyu dance can be categorized into Traditional Dance, Zo Dance and Creative Dance, all of which offer diverse performances and wow audiences with fascinating and extravagent stage shows. The dances performed for Chinese envoys during the era of the Ryukyu Kingdom typify traditional performances. Zo Dance adopts the music and culture of the common people and expresses the daily lives and feelings of ordinary citizens, while Creative Dance is ever evolving and choreographed by modern dancers. Originally performed only by men, since the Meiji era females have performed.
Folk Entertainment	Primarily originating and centering around seasonal and agricultural events - the harvesting of rice, giving thanks for the crops, and festivals to pray for abundant harvests - Folk Entertainment in Okinawa has been passed down through generations. The main forms of folk entertainment are Eisa; folk dances performed by young people during the Bon festival to honor the spirits of their ancestors, and Shishimai; the "Lion Dance" introduced from China and performed to expel evil and pray for productivity of grain and prosperity of a region. During the lunar Obon festival, eisa dances are prominently performed on the streets across Okinawa as part of festival parades.
Karate	Karate is the sport that Okinawa proudly calls its own. Thought to have originated in Okinawa, the history of Karate can be traced back to the era of the Ryukyu Kingdom, when it’s believed the Kenpo style was introduced from China. Okinawans incorporated Kenpo into their own indigenous traditions, eventually evolving it into karate and later sharing it with the rest of Japan and the world. The island region is home to many dojo and regular international tournaments and seminars are held in Okinawa. Karate Day is celebrated annually on October 25, the same day that the martial art was given its official name in 1936.

Fun Facts!

Unique Language
The indigenous languages spoken during the Ryukyuan Kingdom era are called the Ryukyuan Languages, and their variations and dialects were spoken in the entire region before the annexation to Japan. Today, the official language is Japanese. The standardised amd modernised Ryukyuan Language, called "Uchina-guchi" is also smoken among elders. A hybrid of Japanese and Okinawan lanhuage, known as Okinawan Japanese, is also widely spoken.

Why not test yourself on your travels and try some of these Okinawan phrases when interacting with the locals!

Yuntaku
The term yuntaku is Okinawan for "chit-chat" - however it is more commonly used to describe social interactions such as communication between guests at a minshuku, or at a drinking party. If you get the chance to visit a place where yuntaki us encouraged, alcoholic drinks are passed around after dinner. Guests spontaneously group up and drink together, and people sing along with sanshin. These events often occur night after night and being able to enjoy them is one of the real pleasures of travelling to Okinawa!