About Ryukyu dance and Okinawa
About the Ryukyu Dance
The Ryukyu Islands—known today as Okinawa—have long stood at the crossroads of Asia.
Situated between Japan, China, Korea, and Southeast Asia, the former Ryukyu Kingdom developed a distinct culture shaped by maritime trade and diplomatic exchange.
Ryukyuan classical dance (Ryukyu Buyo) emerged in the 15th century as court entertainment performed for Chinese imperial envoys. These dances were presented at formal banquets as gestures of respect, refinement, and cultural diplomacy. Rather than military power, the Ryukyu Kingdom cultivated relationships through artistic excellence and hospitality.
Over time, court traditions blended with village celebrations, seasonal rituals, and folk expressions. What began as aristocratic performance evolved into a living cultural practice shared across social classes.
Ryukyuan dance is traditionally accompanied by classical music featuring the sanshin (three-stringed lute), koto, transverse flute, taiko drums, and kokyu (bowed instrument of Chinese origin). The movement vocabulary reflects influences from Chinese court dance, Japanese theatrical forms, and Southeast Asian aesthetics, yet it developed into a uniquely Ryukyuan expression—refined, restrained, and deeply poetic.
Today, Ryukyuan dance continues to evolve while maintaining its classical structure, embodying both historical memory and contemporary vitality.
About Okinawa (Former Ryukyu Kingdom)
Okinawa Prefecture is now part of Japan, but for over 450 years it existed as the independent Ryukyu Kingdom (1429–1879).
The kingdom unified in 1429 under King Sho Hashi and prospered through maritime trade with China, Korea, Japan, and Southeast Asia. Its strategic location enabled cultural exchange to flourish, shaping a society rooted in diplomacy rather than militarization.
In 1609, the Satsuma domain of Japan invaded Ryukyu, placing it under indirect control while allowing it to maintain tributary relations with China. This dual subordination continued until 1879, when the Meiji government formally annexed the kingdom and established Okinawa Prefecture—an event known as the “Ryukyu Disposition.”
During World War II, Okinawa became the site of one of the war’s most devastating ground battles (March–June 1945), resulting in the deaths of over 200,000 people, including many civilians.
After the war, Okinawa remained under U.S. administration until 1972. Even after its reversion to Japan, approximately 70–75% of U.S. military bases in Japan remain concentrated in Okinawa, despite the prefecture accounting for less than 1% of Japan’s total land area.
The Ryukyuan languages—distinct from standard Japanese—have been recognized by UNESCO as endangered. Political transitions, war, and occupation have deeply shaped Okinawan identity, leaving both visible and invisible scars.
Yet, despite these historical ruptures, Okinawa has preserved and continually renewed its cultural expressions. Dance, music, ritual, craft, and language remain vital carriers of collective memory. Rooted in an island environment of intense natural beauty, Okinawan culture embodies resilience, adaptability, and an enduring commitment to life, community, and spiritual continuity.