Okinawan Eisa Dancing

The tropical islands of Okinawa are the southernmost islands of Japan. Historically Okinawa (Ryukyu kingdom) was an important international hub forexchanges between Asia and mainland Japan. Its location allowed Ryukyu to develop its own unique culture and traditions, which continue to thrive today.

Okinawa has had its fair share of hardships, being the only place land battle took place in Japan during World War II. Through the good times and the hard times, music and dancing were always with people of Okinawa. After the war, people in Okinawa started the 'Uta no Hi' (day of songs) on 24 June as a day to celebrate songs.

Following the success of last year's London Utanohi event, The Okinawa Association UK and the London Okinawa Sanshin Kai will hold an Okinawa Day 2010 in Spitalfields Market in London.

Throughout the day, music, dance, arts, craft and food from Okinawa will be offered. Music will range from Classical Okinawa Court music to folk songs and modern music DJs. Visitors will have an opportunity to try out Eisa Dancing (Okinawa's Bon Dance) and see demonstration of Ryukyu Karate and traditional Ryukyu dance. The stalls of arts, craft , tourism and especially Okinawan dishes and sweets are sure to be very popular!

We would like to continue to promote Okinawan culture in the UK in order to enhance the cultural understanding and relationship between the UK and Okinawa. More importantly we would like to make Okinawa Day a sustainable event each year in order to encourage UK audiences to participate in future events and to create a Ryukyu cultural hub in the UK.

Okinawa Day is an admission free event and we invite all visitors to enjoy the day in Spitalfields.

We all look forward to seeing you at Okinawa Day 2010!

Okinawa Day website: http://www.okinawaday.org.uk