Eisa

What is Eisa?

Eisa is a dance from Okinawa, performed mostly by groups of young men and women. Dancers move in lines or circles, playing drums of different sizes and sometimes small gongs or castanets. Singing and chanting are part of the performance, and the group is often dressed in bright costumes with colorful turbans. The dance is lively, with coordinated steps and drumming, and is a central part of the Obon festival, when people honor their ancestors.

Where does Eisa come from?

Eisa's roots are tied to the Obon festival and the practice of nembutsu, or Buddhist chanting for the dead. The dance likely began in the early 1600s, influenced by monks who introduced nembutsu to Okinawa. Puppet troupes called Chondaraa also played a role, performing songs and dances for funerals and celebrations. Over time, Eisa became specific to the Okinawa Islands, spreading through villages and changing as it moved north and west. The 20th century brought major changes, with contests and festivals shaping modern forms.

How is Eisa danced?

Eisa is danced in groups, often with 20 to 30 people. Dancers form lines or circles, sometimes parading through streets. The steps are energetic, with coordinated arm and leg movements. Drummers carry their instruments, striking them in rhythm with the dance. Some versions have men leading with large drums, followed by women or mixed groups. In drumless styles, dancers move around a central scaffold where musicians play. Creative Eisa teams may include karate-inspired moves and new choreography.

The music of Eisa

Music for Eisa combines live drumming, singing, and folk songs played on the sanshin, a three-stringed lute. Three types of drums are used: the large ōdaiko, the medium shimedaiko, and the small hand-held paarankuu. Dancers may also use hand gongs and castanets. Traditional Eisa begins with Buddhist nembutsu songs, but modern and creative forms add newer folk and pop songs, sometimes sung in Ryukyuan languages.

Costume and what is carried

Costumes vary by region and group but are often brightly colored. Dancers typically wear a knotted turban, special vests, leggings, and shoes. The style and color can reflect local tradition or the gender of the dancer. In contests and creative Eisa, uniforms may be more elaborate, and Western clothing was sometimes used in the past.

When and where Eisa is danced

Eisa is most closely linked to the Obon festival, when communities honor the spirits of ancestors. Traditionally, it was performed by the youth of each village, but today it is also a highlight of public festivals and stage performances in Okinawa and places with Okinawan communities abroad. Creative Eisa teams welcome anyone, regardless of heritage, and perform at various events.

Styles of Eisa

There are several regional and modern styles of Eisa. Taiko Eisa features male drummers leading a parade, followed by female or mixed dancers. Paarankuu Eisa uses hand drums and has a slower pace. Drumless Eisa, found in northern Okinawa, is danced in circles without drums. Female Eisa is performed only by women. Creative Eisa, developed in the 1980s, allows new songs, choreography, and mixed-gender drumming.

What Eisa means

Eisa is a symbol of Okinawan identity and community, especially for young people. It has adapted over time, balancing tradition with innovation. Creative Eisa has spread to other regions and countries, connecting Okinawan descendants worldwide. The dance remains a way to honor ancestors, celebrate local culture, and bring people together, even as debates about authenticity continue.

Days Eisa is danced for

Questions people ask about Eisa

Good reading and sources

• Eisa (dance) on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• More photos and video on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos and video
• Wikidata recordOpen data
• Videos of Eisa on YouTubeSearch results, not chosen by Ghungroo