Okinawa Zento Eisa Matsuri - Okinawa Prefecture's Largest Eisa Festival

The Okinawa Zento Eisa Matsuri is the prefecture's largest eisa festival, held annually on the first weekend after Obon (the lunar calendar's bon festival) in Okinawa City, Okinawa Prefecture. It began in 1956 as the "Zento Eisa Competition" to commemorate the birth of Koza City, with the aim of revitalizing the community through eisa during the post-war period of turmoil. Since 1977, it has transitioned to a "matsuri" (festival) format without rankings, continuing to preserve and develop this traditional performing art while respecting the diverse styles of eisa from various regions of Okinawa. The festival spans three days. On the first day, a "michi-junee" (street parade) takes place around the Goya Crossroads and Koza Gate Street area, allowing spectators to enjoy the powerful performances up close. On the second and final days, youth groups selected from across Okinawa perform magnificent and dynamic dances to the live rhythms of sanshin (Okinawan three-stringed instrument), songs, and drums at the Koza Athletic Park Stadium. The highlight is comparing the different combinations of large drums,締太鼓 (shime-daiko, small drums), and paranku (hand drums), as well as dance styles that vary by region. At the finale, the entire venue unites to dance kachashi, bringing the festival to its climax. This major summer event represents Okinawa, attracting approximately 300,000 visitors each year.