About me

RIKO SUGAMA

My name is Riko Sugama, and I am a traditional dancer from the beautiful Ryukyu Islands, now known as Okinawa, Japan. The Ryukyu Islands, once the Kingdom of Ryukyu, are renowned for their unique and rich culture and history. Growing up in this region, I have been deeply captivated by its natural beauty and profound spirituality.

Ryukyu dance is not just a form of dance; it is an expression of the hearts of the people who live in harmony with nature, a culture that values peace and harmony, and the spirit of hospitality. My performances are deeply rooted in the rich nature and history of the Ryukyu Islands, conveying their allure to audiences.

Ryukyu dance is a unique art form that evolved from the intersection of Japanese, Chinese, Korean, and Southeast Asian cultures. Its graceful and rhythmic movements deeply move and soothe those who watch. Through Ryukyu dance, I hope you can experience this special culture and feel the profound peace and harmony it embodies.

Currently based in Berlin, I am dedicated to sharing the culture of Ryukyu with the world. My performances aim to revive the natural beauty and cultural heritage of Ryukyu in a modern context, bringing the spirit of Ryukyu to audiences. I sincerely hope you will join me in experiencing the charm of Okinawa and the wonderful world of Ryukyu dance. I look forward to seeing you.

Ryukyu Traditional Dance

Licences and certification

• 2018 Certificate of Master for Ryukyu Traditional Dance

Awards

• 2012 Ryukyu Koten buyoh Saikousho Award (Highest award)
• 2009 Ryukyu Koten buyoh Yushusho Award (excellence award) 
• 2006 Ryukyu Koten buyoh Shinjinnsho Award (newest award) 

Education

• 1992 “HARU” Okinawan Traditional Dance Studio Started to study under “Keiko Miyagi” 

Uta-sanshin

Licences and certification

• 2019 Certificate of Master for “Uta-Sanshin” (Ryukyu Traditional Instruments and sing) 

Awards

• 2017 Ryukyu Koten Ongaku Uta-Sanshin “Grand Prix” Award (Highest award)
• 2014 Ryukyu Koten Ongaku Uta-Sanshin “Saiko-sho” Award (Grand award) 
• 2012 Ryukyu Koten Ongaku Uta-Sanshin “Yushu-sho” Award (excellence award) 
• 2008 Ryukyu Koten Ongaku Uta-Sanshin “Shinjin-sho” Award (newest award) 

Education

• 2005 “Ryukyu Koten Ongaku Nomuraryu Hozonkai”

　- Okinawan Traditional Instruments “Nomura”Association Started to study under “Kazuko Yabiku"

Recent Career in Europe and Japan

• 2024. aug. : Berlin, "HADO" MV Dance for Waqwaq Kingdom
• 2024.Jul. :  Japan, Fujirock festival Awich Green stage, "THE UNION"
• 2024.May. : Japan, ONE OK ROCK and Awich live performance for  "THE UNION" Uta-sanshin with KUNIKO
• 2024. Mar. : Leipzig, Leipziger Buchmesse Performance
  
• 2023. Nov. : Japan, Awich "THE UNION" Calligraph for back dancers haru for Yokohama K-arena concert
• 2023. Oct. : Berlin, Performance during the festivities in celebration of 50 years of professional youth worker exchange between Germany and Japan
• 2023. Sep. : Netherlands, Leiko Ikemura "MOTION OF LOVE" - Performance of the Finissage as a dancer and singer　
• 2023. Jun: Berlin, Invited and organized by dancers from Japan to perform in Berlin Pfefferberg Theater
• 2023. May. : Czech Republic, Prague Fringe - 4 stages
• 2023 May. : Hamburg, Glenfiddich "Grand Yozakura" launch party
• 2023. Apr. : Berlin, Leiko Ikemura "WITTY WITCHES" - Performance of the Finissage as a dancer and singer
• 2023. Mar, Apr, May, Oct, Nov. :  Berlin, The Feuerle Collection performance program - Ryukyu traditional performance (5 stages)
  
• 2021: Performance and organization for the 160th Anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and Germany Event in the Japanese Embassy / Invitation to "BERLIN x OKINAWA"
• 2021: Okinawa Musik-Live In Crosskultur 2021 Schöneberg
• 2021: SAKE embassy Berlin - Opening Performer
• 2021: France, PATMAY productions "Le projet collaboratif de LODGER" as Paroles and chants
• 2021: Germany, transboundary language project as a video dancer, speaker, and project main performer
• 2021: Spain, Barcelona, Contemporary second edition by "its liquid group" at Valid World Hall's Opening ceremony

Career in Okinawa

• Creation

2003-2019 Creative works over 40 songs for her dojo HARU's performance she belongs to.

2015 Participated as Lady Macbeth and the 3 Witches in "Crown Macbeth", a project directed by actor and pantomime-minister Makoto Inoue.

2017 Choreography of official commercials for outlet malls of Okinawa, 4 style for 2 years.

• Stage appearance

Okinawa prefecture / outside prefecture sponsored stage, independent performance, provision of works of other group stage, event, stage production 

More than 100 stages per year (until 2018 living in Okinawa prefecture)

• Overseas performances

2006-2018 Overseas performances in 10 countries and 13 cities

(China, Macau, Hong Kong, Myanmar, Brunei, Vietnam, France, UK and USA,)

2014-2016 Theater Festival 3 countries

• Consolation, volunteer performance

1996-2019 Consolation performances, volunteer activities, charity performances, 

Contribution to local communities inside and outside Okinawa (visits day care, hospitals, and facility groups in the prefecture about 25 times a year) 

• Kumiodori 

Tamagusuku Chokun, a Ryūkyūan courtier from 1684–1734, is created for for the Chinese diplomats who traveled to Ryūkyū. 

In 2010, inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

1996-2006 Kumiodori 4 works 8 roles