If you visit Okinawa City towards the end of summer, check out the Okinawa Zento Eisa Festival. With over 65 years of history, this event is one of the largest festivals in the Okinawa island chain and attracts more than 300,000 attendees.
Two moments helped to launch the first Okinawa Zento Eisa Festival in 1956. That year was the founding of Koza City, the host of the event that would eventually merge with Misato Village in 1974 and become Okinawa City. Meanwhile, although most of Japan was no longer under American occupation following the end of World War II, Okinawa would remain under US control until the 1970s. Due to its proximity to American bases, the Koza City area developed an economic dependency on the military. With a new regulation stating that US military personnel were barred from entering Japanese civilian zones, the region’s economy suffered. To raise hope, reinvigorate the economy and create a sense of camaraderie in the midst of the crisis, Koza City officials created the festival.
Okinawa Zento Eisa Festival
Photo by: iStock/ CatLane Check out the different performances throughout three days.
Since its founding, the festival has been held on the weekend after Obon, a Japanese holiday dedicated to the remembrance of one’s ancestors. Although the inaugural festival lasted two days, the current version is held over three days.
The first day consists of a parade that takes place in the central Okinawa City at Koza Crossroads. For the second and third days, the event moves to Koza Sports Park. For the finale, the festival hosts an evening event filled with food, performances and fireworks.
Eisa
Photo by: PIXTA/ shibakun Don’t miss out on these lively performances.
Eisa performances are the main highlight of the festival. This performance is associated with the Obon holidays and has been practiced in Okinawa for centuries. While drums were not a part of Eisa, they have come to figure heavily in performances alongside other traditional instruments. With the birth of the Okinawa Zento Eisa Festival, Okinawa City has become known as the City of Eisa. No performance is alike, as each dance is characterized by uniquely colorful costumes and a sense of flair.
