(English)
Kumiodori selected for the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity
The fifth session of the Intergovernmental Committee of UNESCO for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage in Nairobi selected two elements from Japan for the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity--Kumiodori, traditional Okinawan musical theatre; and Yuki-tsumugi, silk fabric production technique.
Kumiodori, which is made up of traditional Ryukyuan dance, music, and Bingata textiles were created in the era of the Ryukyu Kingdom. Kumiodori is evaluated for being preserved, performed, and even
enhanced by people of Okinawa even after annexation by Japan in 1879.
Ten years after the inscription of World Heritage Site of the "Gusuku Sites and Related Properties of the Kingdom of Ryukyu," cultural heritage of Okinawa is certified by an international organization.
Kumiodori is made up of traditional Ryukyuan dance, music, and speech. The stylized traditional theater was created to welcome visiting Chinese ambassadors called “Sappoushi” during the era of the Ryukyu Kingdom.
The first five works including “Nidotekiuchi” “Syusinkaneiri” were written by Chokun Tamagusuku (1684-1789), who was the official director of performing arts of Ryukyu Kingdom, and were performed in 1719. After annexation into Japan, descendants of the officials of the Ryukyu Kingdom and their followers popularized Kumiodori.
After the Battle of Okinawa, the executants and intellects made strong efforts to preserve Kumiodori. Kumiodori became one of the Important Cultural Properties of Japan in 1972 when Okinawa returned to Japan from American governance. Kumiodori has been prevailed throughout many parts of Okinawa, and about seventy works have been identified.