In celebration of the 50th anniversary of Okinawa’s return to Japan from the U.S., a group of the islands’ most exquisite artists, specially selected by the young artistic director of the National Theatre Okinawa Michihiko Kakazu, will join us for a special conversation and demonstration. From the brightly-dyed bingata costumes to the island music’s iconic use of pentatonic scales, the audience is invited to relish the history and heritage of Japan’s southernmost prefecture.

We will be joined by:

Michihiko Kakazu, dancer
Yoshikazu Sanabe, dancer
Takumi Tamaki, dancer
Takahiro Uehara, dancer
Itsuo Nakamura, uta-sanshin, voice and sanshin instrument
Kazuki Tamashiro, uta-sanshin
Satoshi Iritakenishi, fue (flute)
This event is free and open to the public.

Supported by the Japan Society and co-sponsored with the Center for East Asian Studies at the University of Chicago with support from a Title VI National Resource Center Grant from the U.S. Department of Education. Presented in partnership with International House and UChicago Presents.

Please note that the main entrance to International House is currently for residents only. Attendees should use the door on S Dorchester Ave to enter.

This convening is open to all invitees who are compliant with UChicago vaccination requirements and, because of ongoing health risks, particularly to the unvaccinated, participants are expected to adopt the risk mitigation measures (masking and social distancing, etc.) appropriate to their vaccination status as advised by public health officials or to their individual vulnerabilities as advised by a medical professional. Public convenings may not be safe for all and carries a risk for contracting COVID-19, particularly for those unvaccinated. Participants will not know the vaccination status of others and should follow appropriate risk mitigation measures. This is a mask-optional convening. We strongly encourage unvaccinated individuals and those preferring to wear masks to do so.