Taiko Drum

Fun Activities in Okinawa: The 10,000 Eisa Parade


The Okinawa Islands are the principal island group of the Okinawa Prefecture in Japan. The people, traditions, and culture are unique from their mainland counterparts. Their special rituals and customs are different from mainland Japanese culture, giving them a strong heritage even to this day. I got to experience these things firsthand while serving in the Marines abroad. I found this to be one of the highlights during my year in Okinawa, Japan, but the mainland also has so many other highlights.

One of Okinawa’s annual events in the capital city of Naha you should check out is the 10,000 Eisa Parade.  Similar to the Naha Tug-o-War, this yearly event brings the whole town together in a time of excitement.

Okinawa Eisa Parade Performer
Photo Credit: Nicholas Rosen

What is the Okinawa Eisa Dance?

The Eisa dance, as it is called, is an ancient Okinawan tradition unique to the culture.  Its purpose is for the Okinawan people to pay respect to their ancestors through folk dance. This has happened for several hundred years, and the younger generations passed down its style. They show this by going through the city streets in mass festivities. This is one of the best events in the Naha I’ve attended while living in Okinawa in the American military.

Aside from the many performances, the streets are filled with many other things. With tasty street food and amateur art exhibits, you will have a fully immersive experience visiting Okinawa during this event. There is no admission fee, and all are welcome to line the streets in anticipation of watching. Ensure you follow what you need for Japan so you don’t arrive and have to go back to your accommodations. Add this to your itinerary if you are here during your Japan travel.

The taiko, a broad range of Japanese drums, is brought out in the dozens, playing in precise rhythm.  It is held on Kokusai Dori, the main street in the Okinawan capital of Naha.

Eisa Parade Performers
Photo Credit: Nicholas Rosen

When is the 10,000 Eisa?

This goes on for the entire week in the last month of August, with many similar events building up to the main event of the 10,000 Eisa Parade.  Because of how the world is today, changes have been made from the more traditional aspects you might find in older villages and towns. Local communities form the group of participants, and anyone can join. If you like showing off your skills, you can sign up for a small fee. The routine usually takes 2-3 hours to practice. And then you’re off to perform.

Eisa Parade Performance
Photo Credit: Nicholas Rosen

Separate groups of 15-30 people each do this throughout the day with their own unique music and style of movement for the social dance—a parade line stretching for miles, just like you would see in your own city. Wearing clothes of bright multiple colors, such as yellows, purples, and teal blues, the main attraction is, of course, the drums. The rhythms and movements show how lively this dance can be.

Eisa Parade Performers
Photo Credit: Nicholas Rosen

When the festival ends, the next party begins! Now it’s time for you to head off and explore the rest of the city. Naha is another perfect place to stay in Okinawa. You can find plenty of things to do here in the city and get the vibe of Japanese nightlife.

*With travel rules and regulations consistently changing, you can possibly expect this festival to be dramatically reduced in size. However, I still urge attendance as long as you are careful and follow all strict guidelines that the country adheres to. There is no reason you can’t enjoy yourself.

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