Okinawa Prefecture — An Island Paradise Where Traditional Songs Thrive
Okinawa Prefecture is a group of islands located at Japan’s southernmost tip, having developed a unique history and culture distinct from the Japanese mainland. Surrounded by emerald green waters, this tropical paradise attracts numerous visitors from both Japan and abroad. In Naha, the prefectural capital, you’ll find Shuri Castle, a World Cultural Heritage site currently being restored after a fire in 2019, and the lively Kokusai Street shopping district. Having once been the independent Ryuukyuu(Ryukyu) Kingdom, Okinawa retains its distinctive culture, performing arts, and language rooted in its historical background.
shuri castle, By 663highland – Own work, CC BY 2.5, Link
Ryukyu Kingdom History and Musical Culture
Okinawa boasts a rich musical heritage that developed independently from the children’s songs and school songs of mainland Japan. “Bashoufu” is a song composed by FUKUHARA Tsuneo that gently expresses the labor and love of island women weaving traditional bashoufu cloth. “Asadoya Yunta,” passed down as an ancient Ryuukyuan song, is a folk song depicting a beautiful young woman, while “Tinsagu nu Hana” (Balsam Flowers) is a representative Ryuukyuan song expressing gratitude to parents. These songs continue to be beloved today, accompanied by the sanshin, a three-stringed instrument, carefully preserved as part of Okinawa’s musical heritage.
sanshin girl
Famous Sites and Cultural Heritage
Okinawan traditional music features pentatonic scales and rhythms that clearly differ from mainland Japanese music. This reflects Okinawa’s independent cultural development as the Ryuukyuu Kingdom and its history of cultural exchange through trade with China and Southeast Asia. The group of cultural properties including Shuri Castle, registered as the “Gusuku Sites and Related Properties of the Kingdom of Ryuukyuu” World Cultural Heritage in 2000, conveys Okinawa’s rich history and traditions to the present day.
Tamaudun, By 663highland – Own work, CC BY 2.5, Link
Natural Treasures and Nirai Kanai Belief
Furthermore, Okinawa is known as a natural treasure trove, with “Amami-Oshima Island, Tokunoshima Island, Northern part of Okinawa Island, and Iriomote Island” being registered as a World Natural Heritage site in 2021. This region is home to numerous endemic species and diverse ecosystems including mangrove forests and coral reefs. This abundant nature is deeply connected to the concept of “Nirai Kanai,” which Okinawan people have believed in since ancient times. Nirai Kanai refers to an ideal land beyond the sea, believed to be the dwelling place of gods who bring abundance and happiness. This belief is reflected in Okinawan music and performing arts, with many traditional songs sung while gazing at the sea containing yearnings for Nirai Kanai.
Nirai Kanai Bridge
Cuisine and Traditional Culture
Okinawa is known as the “Island of Longevity,” and its food culture has garnered attention. Goya (bitter gourd) champuru, sea grapes, and pork dishes like rafutee using Agu pork are part of the healthy food culture symbolized by the phrase “nuchigusui” (medicine for life). Additionally, shiisaa (lion statues) placed on roofs and gates of homes are cherished as guardian deities that ward off evil spirits, while the Eisa drum dance performed during the Obon season continues to be actively practiced as a traditional event expressing respect for ancestors and the island’s vitality.
okinawa gourmet
Okinawa Prefecture is a fascinating region that maintains its unique cultural identity while being part of Japan. Its beautiful natural environment, deep history, and traditional music and performing arts that continue to thrive today offer visitors special experiences that will remain in their hearts. Around Kokusai Street in Naha City, you’ll find numerous folk song bars where you can enjoy live sanshin performances while sipping local awamori spirits and interacting with local Okinawans. Don’t miss this valuable opportunity to experience authentic Okinawan music firsthand.
