The performing arts of Yonaguni Island’s festivals

Festival highlights

Highlights include a varied program of stick dances, dances, kyogen, kumiodori, and lion dances, following the ceremonial prayers of an elder known as Ubunda.

Tamahati, performed while holding sacred objects, is particularly noteworthy as an art that preserves the forms of ancient rites.

In some performances, Miruku appears leading a large procession, and the performance lasts for several hours.

Discover songs and dances passed down at the utaki, and the prayers of Yonaguni

What to expect

Festival performances begin with offerings to the utaki and ceremonial prayers, followed by a variety of acts such as stick dances, dances, kyogen, kumiodori, and lion dances.

At some festivals, Miruku appears leading a large procession and performs dances, kyogen, and stick dances.

Stick dances at harvest festivals are accompanied by drums, flutes, and gong-like cymbals, with performances passed down in each village.

Source: No27. 与那国町 豊年祭、その他（棒座師匠（チス）の世代交代の行事） – 沖縄空手ユネスコ登録推進協議会

How to take part

Some performances at events such as the Harvest Festival are open to the public, and visitors may be able to watch respectfully.

However, some rituals held inside utaki are restricted to people involved, and not every ceremony is open to public participation.

It is important to check locally what is open to the public and observe in accordance with the community’s guidance.

Even if you are watching a part open to the public, first check locally where spectators are allowed.

Utaki are sacred places, so do not enter without permission; dress modestly and follow the guidance of local staff and community members.

Whether photography is permitted must also be checked locally for each event.

Source: 与那国島の祭事の芸能 | 沖縄県 | 日本の文化遺産を探す｜国宝・重要文化財データベース

Location and access

Venue and address

Festival venues in villages across Yonaguni Island, centered on its twelve utaki.

Located in Yonaguni Town, Yaeyama District, Okinawa Prefecture.

Train and bus

Flights to Yonaguni Airport from Naha Airport or Ishigaki Airport are listed as options for visitors coming from outside the island.

By car

Getting around the island by rental car or rental motorbike is listed as a convenient option.

Address Yonaguni Town, Yaeyama District, Okinawa Prefecture

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Dates and season

The ceremonies follow the lunar calendar, so the dates vary each year.

A major occasion is the Harvest Festival in the sixth lunar month, held in the three villages of Sonai, Hika, and Kubura.

Other events include Suru (Obon) in the seventh lunar month and Machiri (Kanbunaga) in the tenth and eleventh lunar months.

Accommodation and hotels PR

Tips for your visit

These festivals are not staged performances for tourists; they take place in living places of worship centered on the utaki.

Distinguish areas open to the public from rites restricted to participants, and always follow local permission and instructions regarding entry and photography.

Dates vary according to the lunar calendar, so check the latest schedule before visiting and plan with plenty of time.

Nearby attractions

Alongside the festival performances, visitors to Yonaguni Island can take in sights such as Nishizaki, Tategami Rock, and Gunkanjima Rock.

Yonaguni horses graze at Higashi Ranch, and the Yonaguni Town Museum of History and Folklore offers insight into the town’s history and folkways.

The underwater ruins and Hanazake, a type of awamori that is a specialty of the island, are also 소개 as ways to learn about the island’s culture.

Origins and History of The performing arts of Yonaguni Island’s festivals

On Yonaguni Island, performing arts with a strong distinctive character developed among the Yaeyama Islands, shaped by influences from southern cultures and China as well as the culture of the Ryukyu Kingdom era.

Ancient forms survive in the songs and dances, and Tamahati, which uses sacred objects, has also been passed down.

January 21, 1985, its value in the history of performing arts and folklore was recognized, and it was designated a National Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property.

Official information

The Agency for Cultural Affairs’ Database of National Cultural Properties lists “The Performing Arts of Yonaguni Island’s Festivals” as an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property.

The preservation organization is the Yonaguni Folk Performing Arts Preservation Association, with preservation groups listed for the East, West, Shimachu, Hikana, and Kubura districts.

The performing arts of Yonaguni Island’s festivals at a Glance

The performing arts of Yonaguni Island’s festivals are ritual arts centered on songs and dances, passed down at the island’s twelve utaki and in each village.

The diverse repertoire includes stick dances, kumiodori, lion dances, and Tamahati, and some performances last for several hours.

When attending, check locally what is open to the public and whether photography is allowed, and respect local beliefs and customs.