Ryujin-no Utage show mixes traditional Ryukyu performing arts, modern ballet and eisa into a spectacle that is the highlight of Uruma Festival.

Uruma City is well known as the center of Okinawan-style bullfighting, but in the course of years, organizers have expanded the program to a wider variety of entertainment.

The bullfighting tournament at the Ishikawa Multi-purpose Dome starting at 13:00 on Saturday, Oct. 15, is a central feature of the festival that is free for people to watch, but other Saturday events, at the main venue at Gushikawa Athletic Park, include performances by Okinawan artists Rushine, Yusuke Mototake, jimama and Nenees.

Folk music and dance is played on the main stage at Gushikawa Athletic Park.

On Sunday, on the main stage, drum groups, a hero show and Miss Uruma coronation ceremony take place between 18:45 and 19:30, and a 3 on 3 basketball tournament starting at noon at Gushikawa Gym.

A highlight of Sunday is a special collaboration performance of Kimutaka-no-Amawari and Ryujin-no-Utage. Both are popular local legend-based shows related to Uruma City.

The Kimutaka-no-Amawari is a story centering on the history of Katsuren Castle in the city. The traditional story based on a well-known Kumiodori has been arranged into a modern version featuring modern music and dance, making it a sort of Okinawan musical.

Ryujin-no-Utage is an entertainment show that mixes traditional Ryukyu performing arts, modern ballet and Eisa centering on God reincarnated as a dragon. The show is usually performed in the Ishikawa Multi-purpose Dome.

Fireworks end both days at 20:40. A free shuttle bus runs between the Gushikawa Athletic Park and Ishikawa Dome from 11:00 to 16:00.

Free temporary parking is available at Uruma City Art Theater, Uruma City Office and Gushikawa Pachinko Parking. Free shuttle buses connect the festival grounds and parking lots between 13:30 and 20:00 on both days.

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