The Okinawa prefectural government presented a display of traditional performing arts titled OKINAWAN PERFORMING ARTS at the Terrace Theater of The Kennedy Center on Saturday, September 6.

OKINAWAN PERFORMING ARTS featured a group consisting of young dancers and karate performers who are carrying Okinawa's classical performing arts into the next generation. The dynamic performances included traditional Okinawan performing arts such as Creative Eisa, Ryukyu Buyo, and karate. The performance titled "Feast of Joy"expressed the lives and passion of those who live under and receive the blessings of the sun on the subtropical islands of Okinawa. With more than 500 people in attendance, the event was a spectacular success. The venue was filled to capacity, with some attendants even lining up outside the entrance to watch. The people of Washington enjoyed an evening of Okinawa's finest traditional performing arts.

The Okinawa prefectural government has long been working on the "Okinawan Culture and Spirit Promotion Project," intended to increase understanding and awareness of Okinawa by reaching out to the world with messages based on the theme of exchange and coexistence. These "Co-Creation towards Tomorrow"messages are intended to disseminate information about Okinawa's culture, nature, history, and desire for peace. The OKINAWAN PERFORMING ARTS display was held as part of this project.

In addition, as part of the"Okinawan Culture and Spirit Promotion Project," Okinawa Week is being held at the Japan Information & Cultural Center from Tuesday, September 2 to Friday, September 12. Okinawa Week features an array of the appealing aspects of Okinawa, including the screening of movies set in Okinawa, the serving of awamori cocktails, and panels showing Okinawa's World Heritage sites, food, and nature. In one workshop on Okinawan performing arts for local elementary school students, participants engaged in hands-on activities such as Eisa, taiko drum making, and karate.

Regarding the"Okinawan Culture and Spirit Promotion Project," Okinawa prefectural Vice Governor Takara Kurayoshi commented, "We hope that this project enables a deeper understanding of Okinawa in the United States and, at the same time, makes for even greater bonds of trust between Japan and the US."