JapanNewbie

Okinawa Dance… in Osaka

Posted on 10. May, 2005 @ 2:24 am by harvey in Culture Views: 79

During that same trip to Minoo in North Osaka, I went to see some Okinawian Dance.

It’s tough for me to write this update because I know very little about traditional Japanese dance… Especially Okinawaian dance!

She knows MORE.

So, enjoy the pretty pictures.

Okinawa dance is known as Ryuukyuubuyou (琉球). Another way to say Okinawa in Japanese, is Ryuukyuu (or so I hear).

There are many styles of Okinawian Dance, the most traditional is called (古典舞踊) kotenbuyou. Another is called hamachidori (浜千鳥), in which the hand movements are especially feminine and gentle.

In another comedy type of dance a lady pulled out a
(柄杓　)hisyaku (one of those long scoop type tools you use to get water. You see them out in front of temples to get water to wash your hands.) and pretended to splash water on her dancing partner. Fun for everyone!

One thing I can say with confidence is that I heard that the red make-up is meant to keep evil spirits from getting in through the holes in your face. So around the eyes, ears, and mouth it’s red, while the rest of the face is the usual Japanese white.

One thing that surprised me was that even the male shamisen player had bright red lipstick, and a white face… Looks very feminine.

Yes. That is what I know.

以上。こんなポストになってしまったのですが、ここで終わりにしたいと思っています。（汗）
ありがとうございます。　（申し訳ない！）

Does anyone here know anything about Okinawian Dance??

Help me out I’m dyin’ here!

-Harvey