Do you know? Okinawa Tips [Eisa folk dance]

Eisa folk dance can be said to be one of the representative folk performing arts in Okinawa. When practice starts in various places around July every year, you can hear the sound of drums and the voices of music, and Uchinanchu (Okinawa people) realizes the arrival of a full-fledged summer. In that sense, it is also a tradition.  

Eisa folk dance's original role is to send the spirits of ancestors who have returned from the world during the Bon Festival (July 13-15, old calendar) so that they can return safely. Therefore, it is basically Bon Odori, but it is completely different from that of the mainland, which surrounds the tower and dances with Choichoi.  
Men dressed in traditional costumes form a line and beat the drums powerfully while dancing violently to the music. Spraying sweat, echoing shouts, their visuals and sounds are truly brave. In the back, women in kasuri kimonos add flowers by hand dance.  

When you see Eisa folk dance for the first time, you will be overwhelmed by its power and hit your heart. The state is called "Chimdondon" in Okinawa. You can say that the soul is shaken. It's not just because of the sound of drums, loud shouts, and intense dance.  
It is the spirit of the performers that touch the heart. The Eisa folk dance Group is formed mainly by youth associations in each region, and they are proud to represent traditional performing arts in the region.  
As a result, practice is quite harsh. The hand holding the drum does not move due to muscle pain, or the bees are dyed red with torn blood beans, etc., and the performance is polished until it becomes flaky with the strict guidance of seniors. That sincerity lets you taste Chimdondon.  

On the day of the Bon Festival, Eisa folk dance groups, ranging from dozens to sometimes 100, go around the local houses and dance in front of the gates. You can also perform at the convenience store parking lot. Walking along the road while dancing in this way is called "Road Geneva".  
When you hear the sound of the drums, the children first run from the houses all at once. For them, the Eisa folk dance group is a longing. One day I would like to swing large Wadaiko and dance coolly. You can see a cute figure chasing a group of road Geneva.  

With the growing popularity of Eisa folk dance, events have been held regardless of Bon Festival. Above all, the Okinawa All Island Eisa Festival, which is held in Okinawa City, has participation from outside the prefecture as well as in Okinawa Prefecture. Also, during this festival, the Orion Beer Fest, where you can drink delicious Orion beer, will be held at the same time, attracting a large number of customers.