Lunar New Year Ceremonies Live On in the Okinawa Islands

Kudakajima is about 15 minutes away by ferry from Okinawa’s Azama Port.

The entire island is decked out for Lunar New Year festivities.

Fishing boats moored at a fishing port display colorful tairyōbata banners.

The Shakutui ritual, carried out by men in pairs, takes place in a solemn atmosphere.

Kachāshī, the Okinawa dance for festive occasions, features distinctive wrist movements and swaying arms.

A group gathered nearby offers rhythmical clapping to accompany the kachāshī.

Women dancers also participate in the joyful dancing.

The Shirumichū sacred spot is at the top of these steps, whose entrance is marked by a torii gate.

The entrance to the cave is usually closed, but people can enter for Lunar New Year ceremonies.

Placing an offering of rice on one’s head supposedly ensures good health. Many people take some of the rice used in the ceremony home with them.

After New Year prayers, a celebratory dance is performed.

Facing the Shirumichū, people give thanks for the new year.

Dancers performing with fans add to the festive atmosphere.

Dancing the kachāshī to sanshin music after offerings have been performed.

The lyrics to the New Year yunta are prominently displayed in front of the island’s traditional arts center.

In a 2015 photo, people in a parade sing the yunta. The community acquired new sudina costumes for the festivities in autumn 2018.

A spear-carrying warrior appears from the south, riding on a float borne aloft by young men.

The warrior from the north, brandishing a sickle, strikes a threatening pose.

The floats collide, setting off a vigorous tussle.

Participants put their backs into the north-south tug of war.

A participant leaps onto the central bar that determines the winner to energize the two sides.

Miruku-sama distributing cereal grains.