This is the season when the cold really bites.
Many people probably think, "I want to spend the winter in warm Okinawa!" The gentle winter hours in Okinawa feel special in themselves.

But since you're going all the way there, why not try a "different kind of Okinawa trip"?

Therefore, I recommend this winter's must-see Okinawan entertainment: "Ship of the Ryukyu".

Whether you're an Okinawa lover, an Okinawa expert, or visiting Okinawa for the first time, you're sure to enjoy it. Let's make this winter trip even more special by immersing yourself in the exhilarating world of Okinawan performing arts!

<Table of Contents>
1. What is "Ship of the Ryukyu"?
5. You're sure to find something you love! Five captivating performances.
　2-1. "I want to be happy!" | Bottle Mail
　2-2. "I want to laugh!" | May and September
　2-3. "I want to get fired up!" | EISA-SPIRIT REQUIOS - Dynasty Chronicles
　2-4. "I want to feel excited!" | Okinawa Sansan
　2-5. "I want to connect!" | YAESE Entertainment ~Yui~
3. How to purchase tickets for "Ship of the Ryukyu" & detailed information
4. Make this winter an unforgettable memory.

"Ship of the Ryukyu" is a stage performance born from the desire to "let more people enjoy Okinawan performing arts!"

Now, suddenly...
Let's say you ask someone who has traveled to Okinawa, "Are you familiar with Okinawan performing arts?"

I think most people would answer YES.

Eisa dance performed to the sound of drums
People dancing in brightly colored kimonos
The sound of singing and playing the sanshin can be heard from somewhere.

Many people have likely seen or heard of Okinawan culture at tourist spots, restaurants, or even their accommodations. Indeed, Okinawa is an island where singing, dancing, and music are deeply ingrained in daily life. It's an island where born entertainers abound.

"In that case, why bother going to see the play?"
If you thought that, you're missing out!

The stage, created by true entertainers with the sole purpose of providing an even more enjoyable experience, is on another level. You can savor the ultimate entertainment that only a meticulously crafted stage can offer.

That's "Ship of the Ryukyu"!

This winter, "Ship of the Ryukyu" will present five different types of content sequentially at two venues in Naha City.

What's unique is that all five performances are "highly individualistic." There's sure to be a performance that will stimulate your "likes"!

Incidentally, both venues are within walking distance of Kokusai Street, which makes planning your trip much easier.

Now, let's take a look at the highlights of each performance!

[Highlight]
A stage where you can enjoy Okinawan performing arts such as singing and dancing as if you were traveling through time.

The story begins with the people of the Ryukyu Kingdom sending letters (or "bottle messages") into the sea to strangers across the ocean.

Using letters as a central theme, this work condenses Okinawa's diverse performing arts and culture into a condensed form. The world created by the songs and dances is a rich and immersive experience, showcasing the best of each.

Music that transcends time can bring happiness to us living in the modern age! It transcends era, country, and language; simply clapping along to the music will bring a smile to your face. That's the kind of performance it is!

【Schedule】
November 29th (20:00) / 30th (16:00)
December 2nd (20:00) / 3rd (13:00 & 16:00) / 4th (13:00 & 16:00)

[Venue]
Tenbusu Hall (Naha City Bunka Tenbusu Hall)
*See below for details

[Highlight]
This is an unusual work that combines Okinawan traditional performing arts with comedy.

The story is set in Shuri Castle during the Ryukyu Kingdom era. It's a chaotic tale that begins when the schedule for entertaining important guests is double-booked.

Having to respond to unreasonable demands from superiors and clients with a smile is the same in every era. It's hard not to smile at the sight of them scrambling to find a way to handle these situations.

However, the performers are all professionals involved in Okinawan traditional performing arts. Beautiful songs and dances are skillfully incorporated amidst the humor, making it thoroughly enjoyable to watch.

This is a show that I would recommend not only to theater lovers, but also to people who think, "Aren't traditional performing arts boring?"

【Schedule】
December 6th (20:00) / 7th (16:00) / 9th (20:00) /
　　　10th (13:00 & 16:00) / 11th (13:00 & 16:00)

[Venue]
Tenbusu Hall (Naha City Bunka Tenbusu Hall)
*See below for details

[Highlight]
This is a creative art form that dynamically arranges folk performing arts from various parts of Okinawa.

The Eisa dance expresses the story of Sho Hashi, the hero who unified the Ryukyu Kingdom, and the people and history surrounding him.

The drums resonate deep within your stomach, the dancers breathe, and a historical spectacle unfolds... this performance is incredibly exciting!

The already heart-stirring Eisa dance has evolved to be even more powerful and magnificent. There's no way anyone who sees this performance won't feel their heart pounding—chimudondon (Okinawan dialect)!

Yes, Eisa and lion dances are so cool!

【Schedule】
January 25th (20:00) / 26th (20:00) / 27th (20:00)
　　　28th (13:00 & 16:00) / 29th (13:00 & 16:00)

[Venue]
Palette Civic Theatre
*See below for details

[Highlight]
This Okinawan musical depicts Okinawan performing arts and culture through a love story between a man and a woman.

To get straight to the point—if you watch it with your lover or spouse, you'll be even more in love by the time you leave the venue! I'm sure of it!

This is a story about a man and a woman in a village somewhere in Okinawa who fall in love, get married, and become a family. Their lives are depicted through song and dance, and are sure to make people of all ages swoon.

The overwhelming performance and live music draw you in, leaving you with a sense of rapture as if you've become a part of a beautiful story.

If you're someone who feels like you haven't had enough excitement lately, or if you want to rediscover that feeling, then this is for you.

【Schedule】
January 31st (20:00)
February 1st (16:00) / 3rd (16:00) / 4th (13:00 & 16:00) / 5th (13:00 & 16:00)

[Venue]
Tenbusu Hall (Naha City Bunka Tenbusu Hall)
*See below for details

(Photo: Hiroshi Kuwamura)

[Highlight]
This is a stage where you can learn about, see, and experience folk performing arts that are still performed as local events.

While "Okinawan performing arts" is a short phrase, the profound depth of what this term represents cannot be explained in a single word.

This play is composed of three parts: "Prayer," "Festival," and "Bustling." And it will be performed by the residents of Yaese Town.

I feel that Okinawan performing arts are not something extraordinary, but rather something that breathes life into people's daily lives, and will continue to be a part of them now and in the future.

It's a performance that leaves you with a sense of exhilaration and a warm feeling, as if you yourself have become a part of the island and participated in the festival.
(Photo: Hiroshi Kuwamura)

【Schedule】
January 7th (20:00) / 8th (16:00) / 10th (16:00)
　　11th (13:00 & 16:00) / 12th (13:00 & 16:00)

[Venue]
Tenbusu Hall (Naha City Bunka Tenbusu Hall)
*See below for details

[Ticket purchase method]

The day you think, "I want to see it!" is a lucky day.
Once your schedule is set, be sure to buy your tickets!

Tickets are all reserved seating (tax included): General admission / 2,500 yen, High school students and younger / 2,000 yen. Reservations and purchases can be made through the official website below!

■Purchase tickets here
URL:http://magnetcontents.net/ticket.html　

[Venue Details]
■Naha City Bunka Tenbusu Hall
　Address: 3-2-10 Makishi, Naha City, Okinawa Prefecture
　TEL：098-868-7810

■ Palette Civic Theater
　Address: Palette Kumoji 9F, 1-1-1 Kumoji, Naha City, Okinawa Prefecture
　TEL：098-869-4880

[Performance Details & Inquiries]

■ Okinawa Prefectural Cultural Promotion Foundation
　TEL：098-987-0926
(Excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays; weekdays 09:00-17:00)

■ "Ship of the Ryukyu" Official Website
URL:http://magnetcontents.net/　Facebook：https://www.facebook.com/magnetcontents/

I love Okinawa.

The blue sea, resorts, food, warm people. Yes, everyone has their own reasons for 'liking' something.

But I'm sure that once you experience Okinawa's traditions and culture, and discover a slightly different side of Okinawa, you'll come to love this island even more!

"Maybe I'll take a quick look?"
This winter, your little curiosity might just lead you to an unforgettable travel memory.

Please make your hotel reservation here.

• Rakuten Travel
• Jalan net