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| @The Ryukyus consist of a number of small islands and each
island in the group, not just the main island of Okinawa, has
created its own distinctive performing arts. As a maritime nation,
the islands have formed their own history since ancient times.
From the late 14th to the middle 16th century, the Ryukyu Kingdom
engaged in trading with China, the countries of Southeast Asia,
and Yamato (Japan) and began assimilating diverse cultures through
this process. These influences facilitated the emergence of
an original Ryukyuan culture. The flowering of court culture
centered on the Ryukyuan Kingdom and against this historical
backdrop the performing arts developed as well. By the 11th
century, sacred songs had developed that were sung in hills
and fields of each area in Okinawa. These "prayer songs" became
the basis for the performing arts. Songs and ballads of the
ancient era called Umui and Omoro emerged and brought the people
a life of culture. |
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| @When the Ryukyu Kingdom was established, the Omoro Soushi,
a collection of ancient ballads and verse comparable to the
Manyoshu tanka of mainland Japan, was compiled and the Sanshin
or Okinawan samisen was transmitted from China. The need to
provide entertainment for the foreign envoys attending the court,
a necessity of state, provided a great opportunity for the development
of the performing arts. Through this Ryukyuan Classical Music,
Kumiodori operatic drama, Ryukyuan Dance, and other traditional
performing arts received a great stimulus for development. The
investiture envoys visiting from China and the Satsuma officials
from Japan were presented with these as entertainment. Beginning
in the Meiji Period (1868-1912), the classical court and folk
performing arts were produced on stage and performed in the
local playhouses of Okinawa. Through this, the performing arts
became dear to the hearts of common folk. The court performing
arts became the basis for expanded and evolved popular performing
arts. An example of this would be the Zo-odori or Popular Dance
created from classical and folk dances. Additionally, these
folk and classical entertainments were assimilated into and
became an integral part of the traditional observances held
in all villages throughout Okinawa. Along with their popularization,
the dances and classical music underwent subtle changes in form
and different schools emerged. |
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| @After WWII, the devastated Okinawan community was enlivened
by the emergence of Shimauta or island music. The Shimauta music
was sung in the choruses of the local plays and functioned to
bring together and introduce folk music from the various regions,
becoming the basis on which new music was created. Presently,
there are many studios in Okinawa devoted to the teaching of
the Ryukyuan Dance, Ryukyuan Classical Music, and Okinawan Folk
music so dear to many on the islands. In addition, the performing
arts receive attention and support of the mass media through
awards and they are thriving in general.As contemporary Okinawan
music incorporated elements of traditional music in the postwar
era, it opened up to the World Music scene and has garnered
global attention.
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