What is Eisa, the Traditional Performing Art of Okinawa?

What is Eisa?

It is a traditional performing art handed down in Okinawa for centuries.
During the summer Obon（the day when ancestors return to this world）, " Eisa " is danced on the festival's last day to send the ancestors off to the other world once again. The dancers parade through the streets, praying for the health and safety of their families as well as for prosperity.

 

Performers

Flagstaff
He dances in the front with a large flag（3-4 meters high）with the group's name written on it.

 

Drummers

The drummers are responsible for leading the overall tempo. There are two types of drums: O-daiko（large drum）with a low, heavy sound, and Shime-daiko（small drum with its head pulled taut by ropes）with a light, lively sound. Hand-held drums are also used, with skin covering only one side of the drum.

 

Jikata and Ji-utae
They are in charge of Sanshin（Japanese stringed instrument）and singing. The Sanshin is a traditional instrument that has been passed down from generation to generation in Okinawa.

 

 

Dancers
There are two types of dances: Ikigamoi（male-oriented dance）and Inagumoi（female-oriented dance）. The standard style of Inagumori is to wear a short kimono and shima zori（Japanese footwear sandals）.

 

Chondara
Paint their face white to inspire the dancers and engage the audience to enliven the scene.

 

 

About Sanshin

This stringed instrument is an essential part of Okinawan music. It is similar to the shamisen, but different in size, material, and sound. It is said  to have been introduced from China when Okinawa was still called the Kingdom of Ryukyu（1429-1879）.  Not only was it played at the court of the Ryukyu Kingdom, but it also became popular among the common people for village events and festivals.

 

 

 

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