Celebrating Okinawa's Rich Heritage: The Okinawa Performing Arts Festival 2025

On November 29, 2025, the Tokyo Okinawa Kenjinkai will proudly present the Okinawa Performing Arts Festival at the Itabashi Cultural Hall in Tokyo. This vibrant event will showcase a broad spectrum of Okinawan culture, featuring traditional dance forms like Ryukyu buyō, Yaeyama classical folk songs, Eisa, and contemporary Okinawan pop songs.

A Star-Studded Lineup

The festival promises an unforgettable experience as it welcomes various celebrated artists from Okinawa, including Akira of Finger 5 and Tomoko Kuwana. Moreover, prominent figures in Okinawan music, such as Shuken Maekawa and Aiko Yoihen, will take the stage for this unique celebration.

The Essence of Okinawa's Identity

Okinawan culture has a history of around 600 years, particularly noted for its resilience and adaptability. The performing arts have evolved from the era of the Ryukyu Kingdom and have passed through generations, enduring the hardships brought by the tumultuous times of war. The Okinawan people, known as Uchināanchu, found solace in their music and dance, which served as a beacon of hope and healing. The festival, marking 80 years since the end of World War II, is a poignant reminder of the peace that allows the celebration of Okinawa’s cultural treasures.

Bridging Tradition and Modernity through Dance

The festival will present a diverse array of performances, including classical dances from the Ryukyu era and various folk songs deeply tied to daily life and celebrations. The Yaeyama classical folk songs are particularly known for their roots in labor songs, often performed at local festivals and ceremonies. This year's festival will feature a special performance by the Amuro Ryu Preservation Society of Yaeyama Classical Music, emphasizing the significance of these traditional art forms.

The Revival of Folk Music Post-War

In the years following the war, Okinawan folk songs emerged as a source of encouragement for residents rebuilding their lives. The late 1950s to early 1970s is renowned as the “Golden Age of Folk Music,” with many folk music bars flourishing in Koza (now Okinawa City). Aiko Yoihen, who opened a folk music club in Koza in 1969, significantly contributed to the genre's evolution and growth.

Okinawa's Musical Renaissance

Following the return of Okinawa to Japanese administration in 1972, the island's artists began to gain national attention. Finger 5's hits such as “Kojin Jugyō” and “Gakuen Tengoku” garnered widespread acclaim. In addition, Tomoko Kuwana's song “Anata no Hāto wa Stop Motion” marked the rise of Okinawan talent across the nation. This seamless blending of traditional folk music with modern pop signifies the dynamic nature of Okinawa’s performing arts.

Event Overview

The 2025 Okinawa Performing Arts Festival will feature:

- Date & Time: November 29, 2025, Doors open at 12:00 PM, Show starts at 12:30 PM
- Location: Itabashi Cultural Hall, Tokyo
- Ticket Prices: SS Seats 5,000 yen / S Seats 4,000 yen / A Seats 3,000 yen (reserved seating, with a +500 yen fee for same-day sales)
- How to Purchase: Tickets available on the Tokyo Okinawa Kenjinkai website.
- Hosted by: Tokyo Okinawa Kenjinkai
- Supported by: Okinawa Times, Ryukyu Shinpo, local Okinawan associations across Tokyo, and many more.

Festival Program Highlights:

Part 1:

- Ryukyu Dance
- Yaeyama Classic Folk Songs

- Performance pieces include 'Kagi yade Kaze', 'Kasekake', 'Mae no Hama', 'Inama Tsun', 'Tanchama', and many more.

Part 2:

- Okinawan Pop Music

- Featuring Tomoko Kuwana and Akira (Finger 5)

Part 3:

- Eisa Dance Performance
- Ryukyu Folk Songs

- Featuring the Tokyo Okinawa Kenjinkai Eisa Team, Shuken Maekawa, and Aiko Yoihen.

Featured Artists:

- Tomoko Kuwana: Born in Awase, Okinawa, she achieved stardom with her debut in 1979. Her hit song became a popular commercial jingle, earning her significant accolades in the music industry.
- Akira (Finger 5): Hailing from Gushikawa City (now Uruma City), he transitioned from 'Baby Brothers' to a national phenomenon with hits exceeding 1 million records sold.
- Shuken Maekawa: A beloved folk singer and multi-talented performer who has been instrumental in advancing Okinawan folk music since his debut in 1983.
- Aiko Yoihen: A prominent folk singer and the owner of a folk music club in Okinawa City, she has become a staple figure in promoting Okinawa’s cultural heritage.

About the Tokyo Okinawa Kenjinkai

Founded in 1956, the Tokyo Okinawa Kenjinkai has dedicated 69 years to connecting Okinawa natives in the Tokyo area and preserving Okinawan culture. The performing arts are vital to this mission, and the Okinawa Performing Arts Festival serves as an example of their commitment to cultural transmission.

Contact Information:
Tokyo Okinawa Kenjinkai
Location: 2F Jōhenbashi Building, 2-11-2 Yaesu, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
Website: Tokyo Okinawa Kenjinkai
For inquiries, contact: Kumiko Tamaki at [email protected]