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

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?

Thank you / GreetingsAkira Ikuma

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.

Across timeHY

Todaiji Temple Music Stage - Transcending Time - HY - 2010/11/03 - Eisa - World Heritage

This is a song that HY created with heartfelt care, inspired by the lessons on the preciousness of peace passed down from grandparents who experienced war.

By incorporating traditional instruments such as the sanshin and eisa drums, along with English chorus parts, the piece achieves a modern arrangement.

It was included on the album “Whistle,” released in January 2010, and later selected as the theme song for an NHK documentary in August of the same year.

By adopting it as an eisa performance piece, it becomes a work that conveys the importance of peace through traditional performing arts.

It is also ideal for children’s performances at sports days and is used as educational material to share Okinawan culture and prayers for peace.

Voice of the SeaUrashima Taro (Kenta Kiritani)

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.

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.

Festival of ProsperityYaeyama folk song

Prosperity Festival | Yaeyama folk song praising the village’s flourishing and nature [Okinawan song]

A masterpiece of Yaeyama folk music that celebrates rich nature and everyday life is perfect for Eisa dance and school sports day performances! Accompanied by the resonant tones of the sanshin, this piece vividly portrays island scenes with emotion.

Its relaxed rhythm and lush melodies are soothing, while blending beautifully with the energetic dynamism of Eisa.

It’s recommended for those who want to engage with Okinawa’s traditional culture while captivating the audience with a high-energy performance.

Paired with children’s lively expressions, it’s sure to liven up any sports day.

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.