Show brings mystery and mythology of Ryukyus to Ishikawa Dome

Ryujin-no Utage is an annual spectacle that amazes spectators with dragons and Ryukyu performing arts at Ishikawa Dome on Dec. 10th and 11th.

Ryujin-no Utage is an annual spectacle that amazes spectators with dragons and Ryukyu performing arts at Ishikawa Dome on Dec. 10th and 11th.

Ryujin was a God who reincarnated into a dragon, and controlled and governed water. To please the God, people in the Ryukyu Kingdom used music and Taiko drums, and those ancient rituals are the basis of an annual musical spectacle that takes place in the Ishikawa Dome on Dec. 10th and 11th.

The show, “Ryujin-no Utage” starts at 18:30 on both days with the venue opening two hours earlier. The show oozes mythology and mystery of the ancient Ryukyu, and is very popular both among local people and visitors. Food and game vendors are operating booths outside of the Ishikawa Dome before and during the performance.

The show employs plenty of special effects for an extraordinary dramatic impact.

The show employs plenty of special effects for an extraordinary dramatic impact.

More than 20 groups and performers will take part in this amazing show on stage. The host group Ryujin Densetsu is known for its variety of powerful acts mixing drums, lion dance (Shishimai) and Hatagashira performances. Hidekatsu is a well-known composer of modern version Eisa songs, local popular singer Chiaki and ‘Wakateda’, a group that performs regularly both in and outside Okinawa and overseas are among the performers. Violinist ARIA and modern ballet dancers will add some spice on the stage. Heshikiya Youth Eisa group and Kozue Taira with her traditional dance arranged in pop-style will also perform in the show.

Taiko drums and eisa play a big part in the show.

Taiko drums and eisa play a big part in the show.

Advance tickets for S-seats are ¥3,000, and general seats ¥2,500 for adults in advance. Tickets for high, junior high and elementary school students cost ¥1,500 in advance. All tickets cost ¥500 more at door. Admission is free for pre-school age and younger children provided that they share a seat with a parent. Tickets are on sale at Familymart e-plus, Dining Kitchen Oz, Studio Café ‘ROSSO x ROSSO’ and MCCS Tours Plus.

To get to Ishikawa Dome drive on Hwy 58 north from Kadena. After passing Okinawa Renaissance Resort, take the road towards Ishikawa. The silver color Ishikawa dome is on the left just after you pass under the elevated Okinawa Expressway. Free parking area is next to the dome.

Japan Update has three pairs of free tickets to the show to raffle away. Contact us on facebook to participate.

 

 
jud%e5%ba%83%e5%91%8a%e5%85%a5%e7%a8%bf%e7%94%a81126

22:49 29 Mar , 2024