Journeys for Knowledge

Right after my return from the US, our village of Onna was hosting its annual summer festival (matsuri). This festival brings with it a whole slew of activities, performances, and cuisines, culminating into a fireworks show. Most villages and towns large enough to organize a festival do so during the summer, as I have often seen their fireworks in the distance from my window.

However, it was exciting to be at the festival for a change, especially with the scores of eisa dancers who were performing for us. Eisa is a style of dance unique to Okinawa, using a combination of drums, chants, and synchronized dancing to convey respect to the ancestors. The tradition goes back hundreds of years, and is something that remains distinctly Okinawan, as opposed to Japanese. The finer details are rather complex, but at its heart eisa is a way to help the community feel together, and celebrate their shared humanity.

Fireworks on the other hand, are for sheer spectacle. I had forgotten how loud fireworks are up close, and how hard it is to capture them on camera. Perhaps next summer I’ll attend more summer festivals to practice my timing. Until then, there are lots of other places and events to explore in Okinawa.