Ryukyu-Okinawa Traditional Performing Arts - Chimu

Ryukyu-Okinawa Traditional Performing Arts Tour of South Pacific. Tickets complimentary. For tickets, please e-mail (japan18@eoj.org.nz), or phone (04) 495-8331.

Okinawa is a small island that lies at the southern-west end of the Japanese archipelago, surrounded by the beautiful sea.

One phrase that represents Okinawan culture is “Chimu culture”. “Chimu” can mean heart or spirit. The reason we decided on “Chimu” as the sub-title of this performance is to show the importance of connections between people. In Okinawa we have a saying: “chimugurisan”, meaning heartache. New Zealand and Japan have both suffered heartache through the disaster of huge earthquakes.

Part 1: Traditional Ryukyuan dances
We recreate the graceful, dynamic dances of beauty that were performed for the king and his guests during the time when the Ryukyu Kingdom ruled Okinawa.

Part 2: Shimauta Songs
We bring you a variety of shimauta, or traditional island folk songs composed of words and melodies unique to Okinawa, that have been passed down through the generations and continue to be sung today in the fifty or so populated islands of Okinawa.

Part 3: Creative Dances
We express the future potentials of Okinawan performing arts through lively, and sometimes mellow, songs and dances.

Ryukyu-Okinawa traditional performing arts are filled with emotions and dreams. We hope our performances inspire the courage to move forward, one step at a time, toward a bright future. Kia kaha!

Presented by the Embassy of Japan and the Japan Foundation.