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These traditional Okinawan songs are also known as minyo, and their fusion with the buddhist dance prompted the beginnings of today’s modern eisa and teodori dances.It was only after World War II that the Okinawan people further developed the traditional eisa dance into the distinguished styles we see today. This process of recitation is also known as chanting ‘nenbutsu’.In the 1800’s, young men applied the same dancing style from the ninbuchaa practice, to classical Okinawan music. During the introduction of the Jodo-Shinshu sect of Buddhism to the Ryukyu Kingdom, monks would dance at funerals and Buddhist ceremonies while reciting the name of the Buddha for spiritual benefit. Islands Harvest Festival, which incorporate traditional music and dance.The origins of eisa are linked to the practices of ‘ ninbuchaa‘, which in Okinawan dialect means ‘monks’. As the most comprehensive work available on Okinawan immigrants in Latin America and ethnic mainland Japanese musicians, and that modern Okinawan music must be seen.
The most notable festivals are the Bon Festival and the All-Okinawa Festival. What is most fascinating, is how each young group portraits gorgeous costumes according to the local tradition and gender of the dancers.When and Where You Can See Eisa Festival in OkinawaYou can find this traditional Okinawan dance performed at various festivals in Okinawa. And there are three different types of taiko! In addition to the taiko and sanshin, some of the dancers might also play small hand gongs and yotsutake castanets. They play sanshin together. They all create a unique choreography. They also started adding more songs to accompany their dances, which led to the start of teodori – a dance of hands usually performed by women – and playing taiko ( Japanese drums).Nowadays, eisa is usually performed by 20-30 men and women in doubled lines or circles.
The festival draws some 200,000 visitors each year.You can find out more about the festivals here. Young Eisa groups from all over the island come to Naha and dance in a vibrant and vivid parade. All-Okinawa Festival: A festival which is renowned for its grand scale and showy performances.For those who love folk dances and embracing themselves in the carnival atmosphere the All-Okinawa Festival can’t be missed.
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