The Japan Foundation presented Ryukyu Buyo performances in Indonesia. Ryukyu Buyo, a traditional dance of Okinawa, was created in the era when Okinawa flourished as the Ryukyu Kingdom. It was the classical dance forms of that time that laid the foundation for a tradition that continues to this day.
The performances took place in two cities: Solo, an ancient city where traditional culture thrives, and Jakarta, the capital city. Under the artistic direction of Shinji Kinjo, Artistic Director of the National Theatre Okinawa, the performances showcased dances imbued with the history and spirit of Okinawa.
Ryukyu Buyo originated as a form of hospitality for foreign envoys during the Ryukyu Kingdom period, which engaged in extensive exchanges with China and Southeast Asia. In Solo, the performance was held at the Mangkunegaran Palace, which was established in the 18th century and has played a vital role in preserving Javanese culture and arts. There, an elegant program of classical dances and music handed down through the palace tradition was presented alongside the vibrant Ryukyu Buyo refined in the Ryukyu Kingdom—creating a dream collaboration where the cultures of two royal dynasties transcended time and space.
In Jakarta, the performances were held at the Graha Bhakti Budaya Theater within Taman Ismail Marzuki, the renowned center for integrated arts and culture. The program focused on Ryukyu Buyo that vividly depicts the everyday life of the common people in Okinawa. The charm of Okinawa’s diverse performing arts bloomed brightly on the Indonesian stage.
Additionally, in both cities, workshops and lecture-demonstrations were held for university students of the arts and Japanese-language students. These events aimed to foster exchange with young next-generation individuals who are inheriting classical Indonesian dance or music and promoting cultural exchange with Japan, providing valuable experiences to support their future activities.
Performance in Solo
| Date and Time | Wednesday, July 23, 2025 at 19:00 (Western Indonesian Time) |
|---|---|
| Venue | Mangkunegaran Palace |
| Casts | Shinji Kinjo, Satoru Arakaki, Ayano Nishimura, Haruka Hirata, Yuria Nakamine, Eri Yamanoha, Kazuki Tamashiro, Yoshimori Nakamine, Seigo Higa, Mion Kamei, Hiroki Horikawa, Yuki Nakamura |
| Program | “Yuchidaki,” “Kashikaki,” “Inimajin,” “Meenuhama,” “Wakashu-zei,” “Nakazato-bushi,” “Kanayo Amaka,” “Hamachiduri” |
| Ticket | Invitation only |
Performances in Jakarta
| Date and Time | Friday, July 25, 2025 at 20:00 (Western Indonesian Time) Saturday, July 26, 2025 at 16:00 (Western Indonesian Time) |
|---|---|
| Venue | Graha Bhakti Budaya Theater (in Taman Ismail Marzuki) |
| Casts | Shinji Kinjo, Satoru Arakaki, Ayano Nishimura, Haruka Hirata, Yuria Nakamine, Eri Yamanoha, Kazuki Tamashiro, Yoshimori Nakamine, Seigo Higa, Mion Kamei, Hiroki Horikawa, Yuki Nakamura |
| Program | “Yuchidaki,” “Inimajin,” “Kashikaki,” “Niisee-zei” Sou solo “Jisugagachi,” Sanshin solo “Nakafu-bushi” “Hamachiduri,” “Kanayo Amaka,” “Teema-tou,” “Hatuma-bushi,” “Tanchame,” “Kurushima-Kudoki” |
| Ticket | VIP Seat: IDR 350,000 1st Floor Seat: IDR 150,000 Students and those aged 60 and above receive a 50% discount. |
Workshop and Lecture-Demonstration in Solo
| Date and Time | Tuesday, July 22, 2025 at 9:00 (Western Indonesian time) |
|---|---|
| Venue | Institut Seni Indonesia Surakarta (ISI Surakarta) |
| Date and Time | Tuesday, July 22, 2025 at 12:40 (Western Indonesian time) |
|---|---|
| Venue | SMA Regina Pacis Surakarta |
Workshop in Jakarta
| Date and Time | Friday, July 25, 2025 at 13:30 (Western Indonesian Time) |
|---|---|
| Venue | Graha Bhakti Budaya Theater (in Taman Ismail Marzuki) |
Organizer The Japan Foundation
Co-organizer Bumi Purnati Indonesia
Supported by Pura Mangkunegaran, The Embassy of Japan in Indonesia, Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO)
Director Shinji Kinjo (Artistic Director, National Theatre Okinawa)
Supervisor Hitoshi Mogi (Ph.D. in Arts, National Theatre Okinawa)
