It is said that Okinawan plays were first performed by royal entertainers of the Ryukyu Kingdom, known as “Shizoku”, as entertainment for the general public after the abolition of clans and establishment of the prefectural system, known as “Haihan-chiken”, occurred in 1879. In their golden age, so many citizens flocked to the theaters, and there were even large numbers of fans waiting at the back doors for the popular actors.
When TV sets and movies became common in the 1960s, audiences started to decrease. However, Okinawan plays have continued to be performed regularly. Even today, Okinawan theater actors keep honing their skills to hand them down to future generations.
Kumi Odori was founded as a type of entertainment for Chinese diplomats when they visited Okinawa during the Ryukyu Kingdom period. Its performers adapted its technique to perform for the general public and it has developed into one of the most famous performing arts — Okinawan theater. Although Okinawan theater has a history of over 140 years, it is approachable even for those new to Okinawan performing arts, since it was originally written for common people.
Around four o’clock in the afternoon,
they used to beat the drum from the top of the hill in the forest
to announce the play was about to start.
In the evenings, so many citizens would gather around the theater
that it would cover the whole forest.
焦土に咲いた花 戦争と沖縄芸能
/ 琉球新報社編著
Today we have prepared a real-time English voice guide for free so you can understand the lines. The voice guide will help you understand and enjoy the world of the golden age of Okinawan theater and feel as if you were one of the citizens watching the play at that time. Okinawan theater, which is simple but supported by refined technique, has been inherited for generations from the Ryukyu Kingdom period.
It expresses a unique worldview spoken in the Okinawan language. Through Okinawan theater, you can get a glimpse of daily life from the unique and humorous perspective of the Okinawan people. The whole venue will be filled with laughter.
The master of an estate has a problem.
Every time he goes out, his retainers, named Tara and Sanda, always drink his hidden sake behind his back.
The master comes up with a great idea, and succeeds in tricking them into binding their hands. He feels relieved and goes out for a gathering. But what happens to the retainers left behind?
With our explanatory guide, even beginners can have fun!
The voice guide is available via the Zoom app on your smartphone.
Please scan the QR code found in the venue to connect to the voice guide.
We recommend you use earphones to fully enjoy the play.
We can't help you set up the Zoom app at the venue.
Please be sure to download the Zoom app to your smartphone and check how to use it beforehand.
Download ZOOM
We have received a lot of positive feedback!
Reviews:
Proceeds go toward endangered language
preservation efforts in Okinawa
Today’s performance is “Bo Shibari,”
which is an easy-to-understand traditional Okinawan comedy.
“Bo Shibari” is a simple story full of humor,
and audiences of all ages can’t stop laughing.
According to our survey, 90% of our audience would recommend it.
| Date | Wednesday, October 28, 2026 Wednesday, November 4 & Wednesday, November 18, 2026*Future performance dates are announced approximately 3 months before each show. |
|---|---|
| Time | Show 1: 14:00–15:00 (doors 13:30) Show 2: 17:00–18:00 (doors 16:30) |
| Venue | Palette Civic Theater |
| Access | Palette Kumoji 9F, 1-1-1 Kumoji, Naha City A 3-minute walk from Kenchō-mae Sta. (Yui Rail), by the Kokusai-dori entrance View on Google Maps |
| Program | Introduction to Okinawan Theater (approx. 7 min) → the play "Bo Shibari" (approx. 45 min) → live Okinawan folk music on the sanshin (approx. 7 min) / about 60 minutes total |
| Ticket | ¥4,500 (tax incl., open seating) |
General
Information
Smartphone and earphone
Smartphone with the Zoom app downloaded
Download Zoom
Here are some phrases in the Okinawan language spoken in the play “Bo Shibari”.
Understanding these words will help you enjoy the play more and be immersed in its world.
We can't help you set up the Zoom app at the venue. Please download it and learn how to use it beforehand.
It is easy to connect to the voice guide if the app is already downloaded to your smartphone. All you need to do is just scan the QR code to automatically start the app to connect to the voice guide.
We do not refund tickets as a general rule. However, if the performance is canceled because of unavoidable circumstances, such as a state of emergency declared by the government, we will refund the ticket.
A New Side of Okinawa - Okinawan Theater
Meemun Inc.
info-en@uchinaguchi-school.com
