I would like to let you all know about this great Okinawan performing arts program
at the Kennedy Center today.
This program is a part of Okinawan Week in Washington DC for this week sponsored by the Embassy of Japan.
Here is a link to the stage program video clip:
click here
Details of the Okinawa Week in Washington DC:
An event to promote the culture and
history of Okinawa kicked off in Washington D.C. , Thursday, with an opening
ceremony of “Okinawa Week” that took place at the residence of the Japanese
ambassador to the United States Kenichiro Sasae. Lieutenant Governor Kurayoshi
Takara represented thr Okinawa Prefectural Government at the
occasion..
“Okinawa is the area of Japan that
has the closest ties with the United States,” Takara stated in his speech,
referring to the Battle of Okinawa in the final stages of World War II as well
as the prefecture’s burden of hosting many U.S. military bases.
He went on to call for a resolution
for the U.S. base issue through deeper mutual understanding, saying that people
in Okinawa want U.S. citizens to understand Okinawa.
According to Okinawa prefecture
officials, the event is part of a prefectural government project to utilize
so-called soft power of Okinawa. Traditional Ryukyu dance was performed at the
event and visitors enjoyed local Okinawa cuisine with Okinawan
awamorii.
The event is scheduled to continue through Sep.
12 with Okinawan films and performances of traditional arts.
今日のニューヨークは真夏びよりの陽気でした。
さて
ワシントンDCでは、今週沖縄ウイークが開催されています。
一環プログラムとして沖縄を紹介する芸能舞台が
本日ケネディーセンターで披露されました。
舞台観賞に行くことは出来ませんでしたが、早速動画で拝見させていただきました。
舞台は
琉球古典舞踊、雑おどり、創作舞踊、空手、獅子舞、そして創作エイサーと
沖縄紹介ビデオで構成。
沖縄県立芸術大学講師の比嘉いずみさんのオリジナル鳩間節の舞は
いつもより力がはいっているように見受けられました。
楽しませていただきました。
みなさま大変にお疲れ様でした。
ニューヨークにも是非いらしていただきたいです。
