Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University
On March 21, 2026, the 9th OIST performance of "Sounds of Ryukyu", a celebration of Ryukyuan classical performing arts, took place at the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST).
Since 2014, this performance series has been jointly organized by the Traditional Music Association of the Nomura School of Ryukyuan Classical Music and OIST. Through traditional Okinawan performing arts, including Ryukyuan classical music, kumi-odori theatre, and Ryukyuan dance, the initiative aims to promote the preservation and transmission of local culture while fostering international cultural exchange.
A scene from Woman's Madness, a kumi-odori production. Kumi-odori is designated as an Important Intangible Cultural Property of Japan and is inscribed on UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
A scene from Woman's Madness, a kumi-odori production. Kumi-odori is designated as an Important Intangible Cultural Property of Japan and is inscribed on UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
OIST staff members Misato Matsuda (left), Chiaki Chibana (center), and Minae Uehara (right) served as hosts, guiding the audience in three languages: Okinawan (Uchinaguchi), English, and Japanese.
OIST staff members Misato Matsuda (left), Chiaki Chibana (center), and Minae Uehara (right) served as hosts, guiding the audience in three languages: Okinawan (Uchinaguchi), English, and Japanese.
An opening chorus featuring all members of the Traditional Music Association of the Nomura School of Ryukyuan Classical Music. Six OIST staff members who study the sanshin at OIST also took part in the performance.
An opening chorus featuring all members of the Traditional Music Association of the Nomura School of Ryukyuan Classical Music. Six OIST staff members who study the sanshin at OIST also took part in the performance.
In conjunction with this year's performance, OIST and the Traditional Music Association of the Nomura School of Ryukyuan Classical Music held a formal signing ceremony for a partnership agreement.
Confirming this collaboration in the form of an official agreement, after more than a decade of Sounds of Ryukyu performances, highlights the shared commitment of both organizations to further develop this initiative as a long-term endeavor, rather than a one-time event.
To mark the occasion, dancer and bingata textile artist Kazuko Zukeyama presented a bingata artwork to OIST.
At the signing ceremony held prior to the performance, Toshikazu Tamaki (center), President of the Traditional Music Association of the Nomura School of Ryukyuan Classical Music, and dancer and bingata artist Kazuko Zukeyama (right) presented a bingata artwork to Jonathan Ray, OIST Vice President for Communication and Public Relations. Ms. Zukeyama also created the stage backdrop for the performance.
At the signing ceremony held prior to the performance, Toshikazu Tamaki (center), President of the Traditional Music Association of the Nomura School of Ryukyuan Classical Music, and dancer and bingata artist Kazuko Zukeyama (right) presented a bingata artwork to Jonathan Ray, OIST Vice President for Communication and Public Relations. Ms. Zukeyama also created the stage backdrop for the performance.
At the event, Jonathan Ray, OIST Vice President for Communication and Public Relations, delivered remarks on behalf of OIST President and CEO Karin Markides, saying: "I would like to once again express my sincere gratitude to all those who have dedicated their time and effort to this initiative over many years. We hope that Sounds of Ryukyu will continue to grow as a place that connects people with people, and cultures with cultures."
Photos from the performance can be viewed on OIST Flickr.
/Public Release. This material from the originating organization/author(s) might be of the point-in-time nature, and edited for clarity, style and length. Mirage.News does not take institutional positions or sides, and all views, positions, and conclusions expressed herein are solely those of the author(s).View in full here.
