Ryukyubuyo (Ryukyu dance). Okinawa prefecture

The Ryukyu dance is based on different choreographic techniques, appeared in the period of the XVII - the middle of the XIX century and kept till nowadays. The form of the headdress was inspired by a big red flower, widely spread in the tropical climate of Okinawa. Blue hollows between flower's petals resemble little pieces of sea or sky. At the present time this headdress is an inherent part of classic and modern women dance.

Ryukyudaiko (drummers show). Okinawa prefecture

The word "okinawa" means "a rope at seashore", actually the island looks like a rope. It is so narrow, that in some areas it is possible to cross it in half an hour. The island of Okinawa is the only island in Japan, situated in the tropical zone. The climate here is warm and the nature is really wonderful. Therefore, the tourism in this area of Japan is appreciably developing. For the last decades a lot of world-class hotels, health resorts, restaurants, museums and botanic gardens appeared here. Cultural events and festivals last here all year long without interruptions. A traditional drummers show called ryukyudaiko is very popular at this island. This show also includes a traditional dance of Okinawa island eisa, which has Buddhist roots.

Local dishes:

• Goya-champura - goya vegetables with pork
• Rahute - cooked pork in bonita broth
• Mimiga - sashimi from pork ears

Okinawa island is situated at the crossroads of trade ways from China and other countries of South-Eastern Asia that's why since ancient times the cultural exchange in this area was very active. The population borrowed positive features of foreign culture with readiness, saving their own. In the times of Ryukyu Kingdom, the Shyuri state tried to teach cooks to make Chinese and Japanese dishes to greet Chinese and Japanese ambassadors.

Before the World War II people of Okinawa were not too rich. They tried to eat healthy plants and herbs and tried not to eat much meat, as there were no many animals in this area. For instance, they tried to eat a pig in whole: internal organs, blood, head, ears, legs, skin. The ordinary people had an opportunity to eat some meat only on holidays.

After the war bacon, ham, sausages and other products were transported here from America. People who didn't have much meat accepted these products with great pleasure. In particular, as corned beef suited the local dishes, it is often eaten in Okinawa. Among the original dishes of Okinawa the most popular are goya-champura (goya vegetables with pork), rahute (boiled pork in bonita broth), mimiga (sashimi of pork ears) and other.

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