New Theater for Performing Arts

摘要

Once the curtain rises, time seems to slow down to the leisurely pace of Japan's southern islands of Okinawa, Softly rendered lyrics, mesmerizing rhythms that wash over the audience, vivid costumes the color of the sun and sea of Okinawa; this is the traditional Okinawan performing art of kumiodori. Okinawa Prefecture is made up of some 160 islands, and is the southernmost inhabited area of Japan. From the beginning of the 15th century onwards, the independent kingdom of Ryukyu existed in the area of present-day Okinawa for around 500 years. This kingdom had its own court music and dance, which were strikingly different to other forms found in Japan at that time.