[Traditional Performing Arts of Okinawa] A special feature on classic Eisa songs that make you want to dance

Thank you / GreetingsIkuma Akira

Gusuy Sabira ~Festival of Life~

This track is striking for its festive sound that brings out the full allure of Okinawa and its powerful lyrics that sing of the preciousness of life and the bonds between people.

Akira Ikuma’s passionate vocals blend beautifully with the traditional rhythms woven by the sanshin and drums, making it the perfect BGM to energize any sports day.

Tied in with Orion Beer’s mid-year gift campaign commercial in 2009, the song was included on the album “Dynamic Ryukyu” and earned high acclaim both within and beyond Okinawa.

Through a collaboration with a local choir, it was elevated into a piece with even greater breadth and richness.

As a staple for Eisa performances, it’s sure to shine at school functions and events.

ParadiseMiyagi Mamoru

"Paradise" by Mamoru Miyagi with Gen Hirakata & Ryota @ Tameike Usagi-ya

This is a thrilling, up-tempo track that brilliantly fuses traditional Okinawan music with pop.

The sound of the sanshin blends exquisitely with modern arrangements, evoking the refreshing breeze of the tropics.

Featured on the album “Minamikaze” (“Southern Wind”), this song celebrates Okinawa’s beautiful nature and the warmth of its people, and its melody is sure to bring both comfort and energy to listeners.

You can almost see the smiling children at a school sports day, dancing with all their might and beating the drums with powerful rhythms.

Eisa: Wind of Ryukyu

Eisa: Wind of Ryukyu

This work, created so that children can enjoyably experience Eisa—Okinawa’s traditional performing art—is included on the album “2011 Victor Sports Day 4,” released by Victor Entertainment in 2011.

Its appeal lies in dynamic choreography where children dance with paranku hand drums to powerful taiko beats and exciting calls.

As a staple for group performances at school sports days, why not use this song to present an energetic Eisa performance?

A place to return toHY

A Place to Return: SHINKA Creative Eisa at Senagajima Umikaji Terrace, 2023-05-05

HY’s song, filled with deep love and warmth for their Okinawan homeland, resonates with the heart.

Featured on the album “GLOCAL,” this track blends references to local landmarks and the sound of traditional Eisa drums, serving as an encouraging anthem for those living away from home.

Its lyrics, which gently speak to the feelings everyone raised in Okinawa has for their “mother island” and the importance of returning there, sink deeply into the listener’s heart.

Used as the finale of a school sports day or as accompaniment for an Eisa performance, this piece will leave a warm afterglow in the hearts of all participants.

Flower CityIkuma Akira

2024 Sports Day 3rd and 4th Grade Performance – Eisa “Suganchu nu Mai” ~With the Wind~

A powerful work that weaves a moving sound by fusing Okinawan traditional music with rock and pop.

The soulful vocals praising the preciousness of the Earth and life, the strong rhythms of the drums, and the beautiful melodies of the sanshin are in perfect harmony.

Singing of the importance of local culture and bonds, this piece features approachable arrangements of Okinawan performing arts and fully conveys the appeal of new music born from the interplay of tradition and innovation.

It’s perfect for performing Eisa at a school sports festival, and is a must-listen for anyone interested in traditional performing arts or dance.

Mami and Toma styleYaeyama min’yō

“Kohama-bushi / Mami Toma-bushi” by Isamu Asato <Okinawa Izakaya Kodama> (2018)

With the sanshin’s richly expressive melody and graceful rhythms, Yaeyama folk songs soothe the soul.

Woven from the island’s unhurried flow of time, its abundant nature, and the lives of its people, these beautiful melodies evoke a quiet sense of wonder.

Interlacing emotive sounds with dynamic drum rhythms, this piece is sure to add extra brilliance to the children’s Eisa performance at a school sports day.

Through performing Eisa together as one, everyone can truly experience the splendor of Okinawa’s traditional culture.

Voice of the Seaurashima tarō (kiritani kenta)

Voice of the Sea, Eisa, Ryukyu Dance Troupe, Shoryu Festival Drums

A warm, folk-style ballad where the sound of the traditional Okinawan instrument sanshin blends with gentle vocals.

While attuning to the many sounds of nature, it tenderly sings of feelings for a loved one.

Composed by BEGIN’s Masaru Shimabukuro with lyrics by au commercial planner Makoto Shinohara, it became a gem of a song that highlights Kenta Kiritani’s strengths.

Released in July 2015 as the theme for au’s “Santaro Series” commercials, it is included on the album “Kanon.” The song won the Excellence Award at the 2016 Japan Record Awards.

Incorporating it into an Eisa performance at a school sports day is sure to create a heartwarming, peaceful atmosphere.