Tarama Island’s August Odori

Festival highlights

Highlights include a varied program featuring folk dances such as lion dances, stick dances, and pestle dances, alongside young men’s dances, women’s dances, and kumiodori.

In kumiodori, performers in Ryukyuan attire recite lines to music and act out a story.

In the final day’s soobiki, performers gather on stage to bring the 3 days of dancing to a close.

Seeing children take part in this traditional performance is also a scene that symbolizes the event.

3 days on Tarama Island, where prayers for a good harvest are passed down through performances

What to expect

August Odori takes place over 3 days, with events held in each of the settlements of Nakasuzu and Shiokawa.

On the first day, Nakasuzu invites Shiokawa; on the second day, Shiokawa invites Nakasuzu; and on the third day, “Wakare,” people enjoy dancing in each settlement.

After the early-morning prayers, performances begin around 10 to 11 a.m. and continue into the afternoon.

Folk dances, classical dances, and kumiodori are performed on stage, and the event concludes with the soobiki.

Source: ☆みんなが待っている「八月踊り」！多良間自慢の伝統行事☆ - OKINAWA41 / 2.踊りの内容と種類｜歴史と文化｜多良間村公式ホームページ

How to take part

Visitors can watch the event.

Location and access

Venue and address

Nakasuzu: Tsuchibaru Ugansho; Shiokawa: Piitumataugamu゜ (Pitumatagan).

All are dedicated at dance grounds set up within the grounds of the sacred sites.

Source: 5.踊りの場所と施設｜歴史と文化｜多良間村公式ホームページ

Event venue 沖縄県多良間村 仲筋：土原御願所

This map uses the venue name. Check the official guide for the event area and entrances.

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Dates and season

2026 event information (the listed dates have passed)

The 2026 event is scheduled to run from September 18 through the 20th, corresponding to the 8th through 10th days of the 8th lunar month.

The 3-day schedule is said to be Nakasuzu on the first day, Shiokawa on the second, and Wakare on the final day.

The event dates in the Gregorian calendar corresponding to the lunar dates vary from year to year, so the event takes place at a different time each year.

Source: 2026年の多良間島の八月踊りはいつ？ | あじまぁ

Accommodation and hotels PR

Tips for your visit

On the first and second days, people visiting for the August Odori may gather at one venue, and it can become crowded.

One suggested way to enjoy the event is to decide in advance which performances you want to see, then move between the venues in Nakasuzu and Shiokawa on the final day.

Performances continue from morning until night, so rather than trying to see everything at once, it is best to take breaks while watching.

Food and drink stalls may sometimes be set up around the venue.

Origins and History of Tarama Island’s August Odori

The origins of August Odori are explained as having roots in an event to report the full payment of the head tax due by the 7th lunar month and to pray for a good harvest the following year.

Folk dances performed before the deities at utaki are said to have developed into today’s August Odori.

Along with folk dances, classical dances and kumiodori have also been passed down. Kumiodori is believed to have begun being performed on Tarama Island after the 1890s.

Around Showa 34, status-based discrimination related to performing was eliminated, and people were able to perform if they wished.

Official information

The “August Odori” page on the official Tarama Village website introduces an overview of the event and its origins.

The History and Culture page provides detailed information on the dances, dates, venues, and organization.

Tarama Island’s August Odori at a Glance

Tarama Island’s August Odori is a 3-day traditional event, passed down in Nakasuzu and Shiokawa, with prayers and gratitude for a good harvest.

A variety of performing arts are presented, including lion dances, stick dances, classical dances, and kumiodori, with community members from children to adults involved in passing them on.

The 2026 event is scheduled to run from September 18 through the 20th, with venues at Tsuchibaru Ugansho in Nakasuzu and Piitumataugamu゜ in Shiokawa.