OIST Special Performance @Strings 2018
Part 1: Talks on History of Ryukyu, History of Ryukyuan Classical Performances
1. History of Ryukyu by Mr. Fumihiko Sato, Artist and researcher on the portraits of kings ofRyukyus, Lecturer at Okinawa Prefectural University of Art and at Okinawa University
2. History of Ryukyuan Classical Performances by Mr. Ichio Nakamura, President of Traditional
Music Association of the Nomura School of Ryukyuan Classical Music

Part 2: Ryukyuan Classical Performances
1. Opening: Watarizou, Tachiutwushi, Agichikuten-busi, Agarizato-busi, Akatahanahu-busi
The opening is two instrumental pieces and a set of three elegant, auspicious songs from theRyukyuan classical music tradition. The song contents maybe translated as follows:◎Watarizou / Tachiutwutshi : Instrumental pieces by Sanshin and Koto etc.
◎Agichikuten - bushi (Sho) :"How many years have passed since the budding. How dignified is the pine tree as it stands andcradles a boulder."◎Agarizato-bushi (Chiku) :"Keep the heart as straight as a bamboo and dutifulness gracefully inside your heart."◎Akatahanahu-bushi (Bai):"Even upon the plum tree, cold snow falls. Hardship makes its flowers ever so fragrant. That isthe way of the world."

2. Wakashu Kuti Bushi
by Miyagi-ryū Minoru-kai School
In other dances the dancer performs the Njifa(entry dance) in the introduction of the piecebut in this dance, the dancer enters with theFue (bamboo flute) and drums. It requires
great skills from the players. A celebratory
prayer dance of prosperity just like theunchanging pine trees.

3. Hamachidoui
Danced in a deep blue kimono with splashedpatterns without the outer Obi (sash) but ratherwith a part of the kimono tucked inside theinner Hoso Obi (thin sash). This passionate andmelancholy song shows folk art at its’ best.
Source: OIST Performance

4. Tanchame
A song of the Tancha region where OIST islocated. This customary dance depicts thehearty lives of young men and women in afishing village. The men dance with oars
and the women dance with the Baaki (sievebasket for fish) in their hands.
Source: OIST Performance5. A Series of Dances1) Yostudake DanceIn this celebratory dance, the dancers clickt h e Yo t s u d a k e ( f o u r - p i e c e b a m b o ocastanets) and dance gracefully wearing theflower head-dress and the Bingata(Okinawan dye method) kimono.

2) Hatuma-bushi
The song is a eulogy of the natural sceneryof Hatoma Island in Yaeyama seen fromNakamuri, the hill at the centre of this smallisland. Because of the infertile soil on theisland, the islanders used to cross over to
Iriomote Island to cultivate their crops, andthis song describes their journey. This is alive ly dance tha t re quire s plenty ofexpression on the part of the dancer.

3) Karate
A valiant and vibrant performance, this dance is also known as “Bu No Mai”. It uses "Karate
Kata", "Sai", "Nunchaku", "Naginata" and it is a dance made from the movements andweapons of old martial arts. Long ago, it is said that when Napoleon heard that "Ryukyu isa country without weapons," he was quites u r pr i se d , a n d Ka r a te or i g i na te d fr o mOkinawa. Cherished as a traditional culture,
Karate classes are held even in middle schooland high school to strengthen the students’minds. It is also performed at celebrations tow a rd o ff e v i l , u n t i e o ne s e l f fr o m ba d
relations, and also as a prayer to get into thespirit of things.

4) Shishi Mai
The Shishi lion is acted out by two people.
Comical and valiant gestures are acted out. It issaid that the Shishi wards off evil spirits, brings
about the Age of Miruku (time of endlessplenitude), rich harvest and prosperity. Inregional havest festivals, the Shishi Mai isperformed. In Okinawa, the Shishi is placed as aguardian on entrance gates and on roof tiles forhousehold safety and communal peace.

5) Kurushima Kuduchi
Choreographed to a song in praise of the airo f Ya e ya ma K ur us hi ma i s la n d w i th i t sabundant blessings from the mountain andthe sea. The dancer sings responses to eachmusica l phra se w ith light a nd ac tive
move me n ts ma k ing i t li ve l y w it h t he irinteraction with the Jiutai (group singing).

Performance:
Music by Traditional Music Association of the Nomura School of Ryukyuan Classical Music,President Ichio Nakamura
Ryukyuan Dance by Miyagi-ryū Minoru-kai, Miyagi-ryū Minoru-kai Second Head of the Dance
Research Center Sonomi Miyagi