Kumi-odori is musical theatre composed of words, music and dance. The Kumi-odori was created by Tamagusuku Chokun who was appointed Odoribugyo, a dance magistrate, in the early 18th century in order to entertain Chinese envoys called Sapposhi sent by the Chinese Emperor to crown the new king of the Ryukyu Kingdom. NidoTekiuchi and ShushinKaneiri were first played at the King Sho Kei’s enthronement ceremony in 1719.
Chokun created the Kumiodori based on Okinawa’s indigenous performing arts and fables with inspiration from performing arts in mainland Japan (Noh and Kabuki) and Chinese theatre. Mekarushi, Onnamonogurui and Kokonomaki together with the above mentioned two works are called “Chokun’s five masterpieces” and they are works with a high degree of perfection still popular to this day.
Kumi-odori is now recognised by the Japanese government as an Important Intangible Cultural Property. In 2010 it was inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. It remains today a prime example of native art sustained by the people of Okinawa.
Kumi-odori is now recognised by the Japanese government as an Important Intangible Cultural Property. In 2010 it was inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. It remains today a prime example of native art sustained by the people of Okinawa.
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