Do you know? Okinawa Knowledge [Eisa folk dance Edition]

Eisa folk dance can be said to be a representative of Okinawan folk performing arts. Every year around July, when practice begins in various places, you can hear the sound of drums and the voice of music, and Uchinanchu (Okinawa people) realizes the arrival of full-fledged summer. In that sense, it is also a feature.  

Eisa folk dance's original role is to send the spirits of ancestors who returned from the afterlife 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 where you dance with Choichoi around the tower.  
Men dressed in traditional costumes form a line, and scream the drums powerfully while dancing violently to the music. Splashing sweat, echoing shouts, its visuals and sound are truly brave. In the back, women dressed in Kasuri kimonos add flowers by hand dance.  

When I see Eisa folk dance for the first time, I am overwhelmed by its power and struck my heart. The state is called "Chimdondon" in Okinawa. You can say that your soul is shaken. It's not just because of the sound of drums, loud shouts, and intense dances.  
It is the spirit of the performers. The Eisa folk dance Group is formed mainly by youth associations in various regions, but they are proud to represent traditional performing arts in the region.  
That’s why practice is pretty tough. The hand holding the drum does not move due to muscle pain, and the bees are dyed red with broken blood beans, etc. are at the beginning. Under the strict guidance of seniors, the performance is polished until they become fluffer. That honesty makes you taste Chimdondon.  

On the day of the Bon Festival, a group of Eisa folk dance, from dozens to sometimes 100 people, goes around the local houses and dances in front of the gate. You can also perform at a convenience store parking lot. Walking along the road while dancing like this is called "Road Gene".  
When you hear the sound of the drums, the children first start running from the houses all at once. For them, the Eisa folk dance group is a longing existence. Someday I would like to swing around large Wadaiko and dance coolly. You can see a cute figure chasing the group of road-generating.  

Due to the growing popularity of Eisa folk dance, events are now held regardless of Obon. Above all, the "The All-Okinawa Eisa Festival" held in Okinawa City is attended not only from Okinawa Prefecture but also from outside the prefecture. Also, during this festival, the Orion Beerfest, where you can drink delicious Orion Breweries, is also held at the same time, and it is full of many customers.