Carrying memories of home on the oars: Omine's Barī, passed down on land
Jibāree of aza Omine
Festival information
EVENT INFORMATION- Season / frequency
- It is introduced as an event held in connection with day 4 of lunar month 5 (Yukkanuhi).
- Location
- Aza Omine Community Hall
- Area
- Okinawa Prefecture・Naha City(From Tokyo: approx. 2 h 30 min–3 h · flight time only)Prefecture-level estimate to a main station or airport, not the venue. Airport access, check-in and onward travel are extra; remote areas and islands can take much longer.
- Features
- Highlights and activities
- Wishes behind the festival
- Participation / viewing
- Open to public participation / spectators welcome
- Last updated
- 2026/10/19
This traditional event carries on the memory of the Omine community, once located on the grounds of Naha Airport, through a distinctive harley in which participants maneuver oars on land. Through the Ugwan Barī, michijune, and main Barī, visitors can learn about the community's history and its ties to the sea.
About Jibāree of aza Omine
The Jibāree of aza Omine is a traditional event that shares memories of the Omine community, once located on the grounds of Naha Airport, and a way of life closely tied to the sea.
It is performed in a distinctive style, with participants moving oars on land instead of using a sabani.
For residents who were forced to leave their land, this is an important opportunity to carry on their attachment to their hometown and the bonds within the community.
Festival highlights
The main feature is Jibāree, a land-based reenactment of harley boat races at sea.
Men in harley outfits maneuver the oars, calling out “Hiya, hiya” to the sound of a gong and harley songs.
The Ugwan Barī, michijune, and main Barī follow one another, bringing the community's history and the festival's movements together in one experience.
Carrying memories of home on the oars: Omine's Barī, passed down on land
What to expect
The event begins with the Ugwan Barī at an utaki, then proceeds with a michijune through the present-day community, followed by the main Barī performed by the preservation society.
In the main Barī, participants move oars on land to recreate the boat races at sea.
At the end, local residents join in rowing the oars and pray for good health and safety at home.
How to take part
The preservation society takes charge of the main Barī, and local residents are also shown rowing the oars together at the end.
Nearby residents who come to watch also learn about Omine's traditions and history through the event.
Location and access
- Venue and address
Aza Omine Community Hall (Uebaru, Naha City).
Address Aza Omine Community Hall, Uebaru, Naha City, Okinawa Prefecture
Dates and season
- Season
It is introduced as an event held in connection with day 4 of lunar month 5 (Yukkanuhi).
Accommodation and hotels PR
Showing nearby accommodation.
Prices and availability are current at the time of retrieval. For multi-night stays, only the first night’s price is shown. Confirm the final price and directions to the venue with the booking provider. Select your dates again when using the area search link. Search area: within 3 km of Central Okinawa Prefecture / Naha City (the search is not centered on the festival venue)
Nearby attractions
守礼門
日本の沖縄県那覇市首里にある首里城歓会門の外にある牌楼型の門
対馬丸記念館
沖縄県那覇市にある、対馬丸事件についての資料が保存された施設
沖宮
沖縄県那覇市にある神社
沖縄県立博物館・美術館
沖縄県那覇市にある県立文化施設
波上宮
沖縄県那覇市の神社
福州園
沖縄県那覇市久米にある中国式庭園
識名園
沖縄県那覇市にある琉球庭園
那覇市歴史博物館
沖縄県那覇市にある博物館
首里城
沖縄県那覇市にあるグスク
国営沖縄記念公園
沖縄県にある国営公園
海軍司令部壕
沖縄戦において海軍の司令部として使用された防空壕
Origins and History of Jibāree of aza Omine
In the past, harley races were held on a grand scale at Omine's beach. Because it was difficult to see the races from shore in the shallow waters, rowers who returned to land are said to have conveyed what happened in the race through gestures, marking the beginning of Jibāree.
Before the Battle of Okinawa, land belonging to the Omine community was requisitioned for the construction of an airfield, and residents relocated after the war.
Jibāree is carried on as an event that connects the memory and traditions of a lost community with the next generation.
Jibāree of aza Omine at a Glance
The Jibāree of aza Omine is an event that shares the history of the Omine community, once located on the grounds of Naha Airport, and its way of life rooted in the sea.
Alongside the distinctive main Barī, in which participants maneuver oars on land, the event also includes the Ugwan Barī and michijune.
It is a festival that carries on the longing for home while praying for good health and safety at home throughout the community.
Japanese Festivals.jp Editorial Team
Celebrating local culture and helping you discover a side of Japan you never knew.
Article updated: 2026/10/19
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