Okinawa festival 2022

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See the tradition of Okinawan dance, Sanshin music and songs as well as authentic Ryukyuan performing arts including the Kumiodori.

Renowned Okinawa artists from Okinawa will showcase fantastic performance at the Great hall in the university of Sydney.

Special guests : Alberto Shiroma, Mion Kamei

Alberto Shiroma is a third-generation Peruvian of Japanese descent. In 1991, he formed the Latin music band Diamantes, which went on to release several hits in Japanese charts. 'Shouri no uta' which he produced, was the theme song for the Japanese national football team at the FIFA World Cup in France. Currently based in Okinawa, Shiroma has been collaborating with many artists around Japan as a composer, producer and singer.His song is very popular with all ages, thanks to powerful messages of love, dreams and encouragement.

Mion is a renowned sanshin player /teacher and singer from Okinawa.In 2007, Mion received a prestigious award in the sanshin division at the Traditional Okinawa Performing Arts Grand Prix Competition sponsored by 'Okinawa Times'. She has performed 'New Year's Eve Vancouver' and 'Powell Street Festival' in Canada and 'The Japan Spectacular' at the Sydney Opera House in Australia'

Okinawan Ryukyu dance is developed as being performed on the stage for entertaining Imperial envoys (Sapposhi) from China during the Ryukyu Kingdom era and came to attain greatness in the 18th century. Dancers perform with fascinating Bingata-dyed colorful costumes.Ryukyu Dance is designated as a National Important Intangible Cultural Property.

'Eisa' is Okinawa's traditional dance, originally, known as a Nenbutsu Odori (Buddhist incantation), which the purpose is to praise and respect the spirits of our ancestors. Usually, young men and women from the local area volunteer to perform in the community, praying for good health and safety for each house.The Eisa dance performed with the powerful beat of the taiko drums and the sound of the sanshin (Okinawa's traditional three-stringed instrument) .

Music in the royal court during the Ryukyu Kingdom was primarily played on the sanshin, a traditional Okinawan instrument. It was performed at banquets to welcome Chinese envoys, and when visiting the Satsuma fiefdom and the Edo shogunate of Japan. The sanshin also features in Kumiodori and Ryukyuan dance, and has become an instrument emblematic of the Ryukyu Kingdom. Instruments such as the Japanese harp, flute, Chinese fiddle, and taiko drums typically accompany the sanshin in classical Ryukyuan music.