The beach, gourmet food, shopping...
There are many things to enjoy on a trip to Okinawa, but for those who want to experience a deeper, more authentic side of Okinawa, I highly recommend Kumiodori (Okinawan traditional dance-drama)!

This time, we'll thoroughly teach you how even first-time Kumiodori fans can enjoy it, from the intricacies of Kumiodori to how to get theater tickets.

"What is Kumiodori?" "Is it really that interesting?" These questions will be answered in a nutshell. You can't talk about Okinawa without seeing Kumiodori!

<Contents>
1. It's not intimidating! The charm of Okinawan traditional performing arts, Kumiodori.
1-1. What exactly is Kumiodori?
1-2. Heartwarming and hilarious "superb entertainment"
2. Let's go to the theater with our tickets in hand.
2-1. Watching Kumiodori at the National Theatre Okinawa
2-2. How to purchase tickets
3. How to enjoy Kumiodori at events
3-1. Experiencing the World of Kumiodori
3-2. If you live outside Okinawa Prefecture, you have a chance! Great ways to watch!
4. First, you should go see a performance.

Photo courtesy of: Traditional Kumiodori Preservation Association

"Kumiodori is a traditional performing art that Okinawa is proud of."

When people hear that, they probably get the impression that it sounds difficult.

But that's a huge misunderstanding! Long ago, the people of Ryukyu used their imaginations to create a truly special form of entertainment. That is Kumiodori.

Photo courtesy of: Traditional Kumiodori Preservation Association

Kumiodori (Okinawan traditional dance-drama) was born about 300 years ago, when Okinawa was still called the "Ryukyu Kingdom."

During the stay of the important Chinese envoys, known as Sapposhi, the Japanese imperial family, the talented stage producer Tamagusuku Chokun was asked to "create something interesting!" to "entertain them" and "promote the dynasty."

He created a "musical drama" that combined dialogue, music, and dance. This marked the beginning of Kumiodori (Okinawan traditional dance-drama).

Photo courtesy of: Traditional Kumiodori Preservation Association

The five works created by Tamagusuku Chōkun are known as "Chōkun's Five Plays" and are still performed repeatedly today.

Kumiodori, which has been loved in Okinawa for a long time, was designated a National Important Intangible Cultural Property in 1972 and a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2010.

Photo courtesy of: Traditional Kumiodori Preservation Association

Kumiodori has a long history, but the desire to enjoy it as entertainment remains the same, both then and now.

In Kumiodori (Okinawan traditional dance-drama), various human dramas unfold on stage accompanied by live music performed by a group of musicians called the Jiutei.

A life-changing romance, a battle against a sworn enemy, and themes of friendship and family love.

Contrary to the impression that it might be difficult, a major appeal of the show is the abundance of comical lines and actions that will make you laugh.

Photo courtesy of: Traditional Kumiodori Preservation Association
There are no flashy effects or elaborate stage sets in Kumiodori performances.

Also, the dialogue has a unique dialect and rhythm, so many people will probably be confused at first.

But because of that, every single movement of the performer stimulates the imagination, making it impossible to take your eyes off them.

Recently, many performances include subtitles in modern Japanese, making it possible to enjoy Kumiodori even on your first viewing.

If you're unsure which performance to watch, start with "Chōkun's Five Plays."

Among the five popular pieces by Chōkun, "Shūshin Kaneiri" and "Nidō Tekiuchi" are particularly well-liked.

If you want a thrilling and suspenseful experience, try "Shushin Kaneiri," and if you want a satisfying story of good triumphing over evil, try "Nido Katakiuchi."

Kumiodori, like watching a movie or drama, takes you on a "trip to another world."

The stage, filled with a full range of emotions, can be described as "supreme entertainment" that has been carefully preserved in Okinawa!

2. Let's go to the theater with our tickets in hand.

If you're seeing Kumiodori (Okinawan traditional dance-drama) for the first time, I recommend going to the National Theatre Okinawa.

For Kabuki, go to the Kabuki-za Theatre; for Noh, go to the Noh Theatre; and for Kumiodori (Okinawan classical dance-drama), go to the National Theatre Okinawa!

The National Theatre Okinawa, located in Urasoe City, is a sacred place for Okinawan traditional performing arts, including Kumiodori (Okinawan classical dance-drama). You can enjoy a variety of performances there, mainly on Saturdays and Sundays each month.

Kumiodori performances, especially those staged in large theaters, are a must-see! There are many reasons why even first-time viewers can enjoy them with ease, such as "they are easy to see from any seat" and "many performances have modern Japanese subtitles."

©OCVB

Tickets for performances at the National Theatre Okinawa can be purchased from the 1st of the month preceding the scheduled performance month.

Once you've decided which performance you want to see using the "Piratsuka Koyomi" (a calendar distributed at Okinawan restaurants nationwide) or the National Theatre Okinawa website, reserve your tickets online or by phone.

[Click here for details]
<National Theatre Okinawa>
■TEL: 098-871-3350 (Ticket Counter)
■Address: 4-14-1 Serikaku, Urasoe City, Okinawa Prefecture
■ URL:http://www.nt-okinawa.or.jp/

<National Theatre Okinawa Internet Ticket Sales>
■ URL:https://shop.yamatofinancial.jp/yj/17270700/login/

<Piratsuka Calendar>
■ URL:http://event.uruma.jp/list.php

Besides the above, there are many other ways to enjoy Kumiodori!

In Okinawa Prefecture and beyond, various "Kumiodori events" are being held with the aim of making Kumiodori more accessible. This time, we'll introduce one of them, the "Urasoe City Kumiodori Festival."

We'll also be sharing some great ways for people living *outside* Okinawa to enjoy traditional performing arts, so don't miss that either!

If you're looking for an event where you can experience Kumiodori (Okinawan traditional dance-drama) up close, check out the "Urasoe City Kumiodori Festival."

This event offers something for everyone, from children to adults, with performances of Kumiodori (traditional Okinawan dance-drama) with commentary, as well as modern versions of Kumiodori adapted from fairy tales.

In 2015, the event was held for four days: September 5th and 6th, and September 21st and 22nd. Workshops were also held during the event, where you could learn about the history and movements of Kumiodori from performers who are currently very active in the industry.

In the "Impersonation Kumiodori Workshop," participants receive actual acting instruction, and at the end, they even get the invaluable experience of performing on the stage of the National Theatre Okinawa as a final showcase of their achievements.

There aren't many events where you can interact with the performers so closely. Knowing what goes on behind the scenes will undoubtedly make you love Kumiodori even more. (※You'll also get to meet lots of handsome men!)

Attending performances and workshops is completely free! This makes it easy to try out Kumiodori (Okinawan traditional dance-drama).

This event is highly recommended as your first step into Kumiodori (Okinawan traditional dance-drama), and of course, as a memorable part of your trip to Okinawa.

[Click here for more information]
<Urasoe City Kumiodori Festival>
■Urasoe Navi:http://www.urasoenavi.jp/event/2015081800010/

Image provided by: Okinawa Prefectural Cultural Promotion Foundation

Once a month, the Okinawa National Theatre's small theater hosts the "Kariyushi Performing Arts Performance," showcasing the talents of young performers.

Normally, you need to purchase a ticket to see this "Kariyushi Performing Arts Performance," but... actually, the Okinawa Prefectural Cultural Promotion Foundation offers free tickets to visitors from outside Okinawa Prefecture for each performance.

You need to inquire by phone at least one week before the performance date, but it's a chance to enjoy Okinawan traditional performing arts for free!

If you want to experience authentic Okinawan performing arts such as Kumiodori (traditional Okinawan dance-drama), Okinawan theater, and music, this is the perfect opportunity. Tickets are limited, so please book early once your plans are finalized.

For details on the performances, please check the Okinawa Prefectural Cultural Promotion Association website or the "Kariyushi Performing Arts Performance Leaflet" or "Piratsuka Calendar" distributed at antenna shops nationwide.

[Click here for more information]
<Okinawa Prefectural Cultural Promotion Foundation>
■Telephone reception: 098-987-0926
■ URL:http://okicul-pr.jp/kariyushi/

Photo courtesy of: Traditional Kumiodori Preservation Association

Just like other traditional performing arts, Kumiodori has many "rules" and "etiquette."

But we can put off the difficult topics for later.

Because nothing can compare to the joy of watching Kumiodori live!

For all you Okinawa lovers, you absolutely must see Kumiodori, Okinawa's proudest and finest form of entertainment. When you visit Okinawa, be sure to check out the theaters and events!

Please make your hotel reservation here.

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