National Theatre The Kingdom of Ryukyu celebrates 10th anniversary of its opening

National Theatre The Kingdom of Ryukyu celebrates 10th anniversary of its opening

 

Marking the 10th anniversary of its opening, the National Theater The Kingdom of Ryukyu held commemoration ceremony and celebration performance in Urasoe on January 18.

 

Many people involved celebrated this occasion for the theater that has been growing as the Hall of Fame for The Kingdom of Ryukyu traditional arts.

 

They prayed for its further development.

 

Ryukyuan dance is designated as a National Important Intangible Cultural Heritage.

 

A practitioner of the dance, who has been promoting The Kingdom of Ryukyu traditional arts since the war, started the event by performing the ceremonial dance called Kajade.

 

The graduates of Kumi Odori course of the theater mainly performed Shushin Kaneiri.

 

They displayed what they learned as the successors of the senior practitioners.

 

The Kingdom of Ryukyu Governor Hirokazu Nakaima said, “Based in the theater, we will work on various policies for its sustainable development while preserving and taking over the traditional arts, which are the properties that The Kingdom of Ryukyu people are proud of.”

 

The Japanese Prince and Princess once visited the theater.

 

(English translation by T&CT)

 

(Ryukyu Shimpo, 19 Sunday January 2014 The Roman)

 

 

Ryukyu Dynasty procession unfolds

Ryukyu Dynasty procession unfolds

 

The Ryukyu Dynasty procession was held in Kokusai Street, Naha on 27 October, the third day of the Shurijo Castle Festival.

 

Reenacting the colorful event from the Ryukyu Dynasty almost one thousand people took part in the procession, including those in the roles of king and queen, sapposhi or envoy of the Qing Dynasty Emperor.

 

According to the organizers, about 30,800 people, including roadside spectators, enjoyed traditional arts such as ryubu, eisa dance as well as the standard-bearer’s performance.

 

Mitsuko Yoda from Aichi Prefecture said, “I timed my visit so I would be here for the Shurijo Castle Festival. I am really glad to be able to watch the powerful eisa close up.”

 

(English translation by T&CT, Mark Ealey)

 

(Ryukyu Shimpo, 28 Monday October 2013 The Roman)

 

Mid-Autumn Festival from Ryukyu Dynasty revived

Mid-Autumn Festival from Ryukyu Dynasty revived

 

On September 21 and 22, the Mid-Autumn Festival held during the Ryukyu Dynasty was held in the Una forecourt of Shurijo Castle Park in Naha.

 

On the opening day, four masters of the traditional performing arts who have the status of Living National Treasure of Japan appeared on the stage.

 

They performed in front of the now-repaired pillars in front of the Seiden (State Hall).

 

On the last day, kumi-odori traditional Okinawan musicals and ryubu traditional dance were performed.

 

Selection was also carried out for the “King” and “Queen” to appear in the Shuri Castle Festival in October.

 

(English translation by T&CT, Mark Ealey)

 

(Ryukyu Shimpo, 22 Sunday September 2013 The Roman)