Eisa dancing in Buddhist Okinawa

By Michael Lynch On October 22, 2009 · 16 Comments

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From the solemn prayers of Buddhist monks and ritual dances performed during Obon, Okinawans developed their own style of dance.

1.Eisa at night, on the streets during Obon.

2.A drummer chants “Hai ii ya”.

3.A young woman wears a traditional summer kimono while dancing.

4.A close-up shot of a character.

5.Here, Eisa is being performed on a school soccer field.

6.Children dance at a school event.

7.Students and teachers dance at a Golden Week ceremony.

8.High-stepping drummers dancing at a festival.

9.These drummers leap in the air as they dance.

10.Eisa being performed the night before a championship bullfight.

11.A Chondara wearing striped banana fiber clothing wanders through the scene.

12.A banner displaying the village district accompanies the Eisa group.

13.A Gajan gani, wearing a flowered robe and straw hat does his thing.

14.Words can’t describe the “Okinawan Whistle”.

About The Author

Michael Lynch

Michael Lynch is a wildlife photographer who lives in Okinawa. His work has appeared in Apogee, Bootsnall, In the Know Traveler, NihonSun and Wend. Visit his homepage: Mike's Ryukyu Gallery.

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Kimayou Meigui

“A flock of whippoorwills on steroids”
Haha! I love it! My friend tried to teach me how to whistle like they do but it is tough! I’m still just blowing air…
Great shots! Do you know the story behind the single shoot of hair sticking straight up?
http://www.ianmack.com Ian MacKenzie

I love how everyone just looks like they’re having a great time. The photos really capture the movement of the drummers and participants. Great job!

http://www.mikesryukyugallery.com Ryukyu Mike

Ian,
Great big thanks to you. Yesterday when you emailed and said this was published, I was so happy to be in BNT, I didn’t know whether to cry or get drunk. So, I did….

Cheers,
Mike

Katie Hammel

Great shots Mike! I love #5.

http://www.mikesryukyugallery.com Ryukyu Mike

Katie,
Thank you. That shot is popular, just a shame they haven’t invented a ZOOM FLASH to reach out and lighten up the shadows. The boy who looks like he winked is actually squinting from the bright noon sun.

http://www.rainshadowimages.com Audrey Madrid

Wonderful work AGAIN! You never cease to amaze me!

http://www.mikesryukyugallery.com Ryukyu Mike

Audrey, my friend, as always, thank you. You know you can blow me away with your camera. Matador is waiting for you !

http://carlo-alcos.com Carlo

Nice Mike! They do bullfighting in Japan??

http://www.mikesryukyugallery.com Ryukyu Mike

Carlo,
Thank you, Carlo. Yes, they have bullfights here, only it’s bull vs bull. No dude with a cape and a knife. Seems like a relatively bloodless sport, but I’m not sure the Humane Society would approve of it. I’m deaf in one ear and can’t hear so well outa the other one, but I heard a bull pop like a blownout tire once when he got gored in the side. Haven’t been to a bullfight since!

Sabina

Totally beautiful photos, Mike!

http://www.mikesryukyugallery.com Ryukyu Mike

Totally beautiful thank you, Sabina. You’re one of the folks who inspires me to keep on writing. I owe you.

http://onceatraveler.com Turner

#7 gets my vote.

http://www.mikesryukyugallery.com Ryukyu Mike

Turner, another Matador Bud, who keeps me pumped up with your writing style. Shoot me an email and I’ll fire you back a full-size file of #7for your website. Thanks for your comment !

Cheers,
Mike

http://www.mikesryukyugallery.com Ryukyu Mike

Thanks, Kimayou. I haven’t been able to get the straight scoop on the whistling dude’s hair style, yet. But, I will and you can even help. I’ll print a photo for them and take it to their village office. You drive and write; I translate and shoot. Could be the makings of a story for you. Sound like fun?

Cheers,
Mike
http://www.sophiesworld.net Anne-Sophie

Amazing photos from you yet again, Mike. Love the energy in no 9. Also, since I have a Chinese-born daughter, I’m totally charmed by the girls – and colours – in no 11.

http://www.mikesryukyugallery.com Ryukyu Mike

Anne-Sophie,
Thank you ! I’m kinda fond of #11, too. Some of those Gals are my sweethearts. They have alot more energy then the dancers in #9 ’cause somebody always feeds them ice cream for breakfast !

Eisa dancing in Buddhist Okinawa

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