Okinawa's bamboo instrument ------ Yotsutake

Ryukyuan Dance

Ryukyuan dance (琉球舞踊 Ryukyu Bu Yo) is Okinawa's original dance culture. In 2009 September, Ryukyuan dance was designated as National Important Intangible Cultural Properties.

Yotsutake

Yotsutake is musical instrument made from bamboo. Consisting of two pieces of bamboo and it is always used two pairs.

Some people call “Yotsutake (よつたけ）”, “Yotsudake（よつだけ）” or “Yotsutaki（よつたき）”.

Also, Yotsutake is name of music and danced to entertain Sakuho-shi that is accredited Chinese envoys to neighboring kingdoms. According to “The Traditional Culture of Okinawa,” one of the most frequently presented onna odori (Woman dancing) dances, Yotsutake is generally performed by a large group of dancers on festival occasions. The dancers wear the headdress which has virtually become the symbol of Okinawa, designed in the form of a red flower decorated with blue waves, and brilliantly colored bingata costumes. The large number of dancers and their vivid appearance make this one of the most visually captivating items in the repertoire. 

I played Yotsutake. 

My playing sounds noisy, but professional playing sounds music. 

Using strings is easier to click them. It is for the Yotsutake beginners!!

In Naha city Okinawa, there is entertainment restaurant you can enjoy watching Ryukyuan dance and foods. And Yes, of course my shop Okinawa Market has Yotsutake instrument. 

Okinawa's interesting alcohol liquor HABU SAKE

AWAMORI

Awamori is Okinawa's alcoholic drink. History of Awamori is very long. Most oldest Awamori is 150 years old. Learn more Awamori → click HERE!

Habu snake

Before I introduce Habu sake, do you know Habu snake? Habu snake is known as viper or pit viper found on Okinawa and Amami islands. Habu snake has a triangular shaped head and its length be up to two meters (6.5 feet). It is a natural animal and rarely moves in the daytime. At night time, they feed rodents and other small animals. 

Even now we could run into Habu snake in the bushes, sometimes in downtown and your garden. 

Keep in mind that they are active even during the winter month in Okinawa. 

When you encounter Habu snake, CALL 110(Japanese police telephone number) as soon as possible. Okinawa's police can deal with Habu snake, so you do not touch them.

To say that Habu is venomous snake, some people want to get along with Habu snake. There is Habu museum park in Okinawa. When you visit Okinawa, please add to your sightseeing schedule.  

Habu sake

Even though Habu is venomous snake, Okinawa local people drink Habu sake! *Sake means alcoholic drink. This alcoholic drink is called the "Okinawa's Viagra", however most people will not drink this because of its fleshy smell. Delicious Habu sake is very aged or made by Habu sake master who is good at making Habu sake do existed. It is very hard to find, so when you meet very delicious Habu sake, you are lucky! Meeting good Habu sake, keep trying to drink them. 

How to make Habu sake

To make Habu sake, the snake's body is processed appropriately to detoxify it and then bottled in 118-proof alcohol. After that, it is left to mature for over 10 years. Finally, the snake is placed in a bottle with Awamori and lots of herbs. 

Hello world!

Hello,

My name is Mana from Okinawa.

I was born and live in Okinawa, Japan.

I am working at Okinawa Market (Okinawa's souvenir shop) in Okinawa city.

Never heard of Okinawa, please see map and check where Okinawa is located. Or google 'Okinawa.'

Though it is very small islands, sea is large. Okinawa has really beautiful beach. 

Learn more about Okinawa's sea, please check this web site. 

↓　↓　↓

OKINAWA CORAL REEF

Okinawa is becoming popular tourist spot. More and more tourists visit Okinawa every year. Popular spots are Shuri castle, Churaumi aquarium, American village and more! 

However, many people visit and many magazines introduce Okinawa prefecture, Okinawa city is not known by everyone.

Okinawa city is very interesting city. It has mix culture.

(Okinawa's local people, American, India, Chinese, Korean, Philippines, Thai, Peru)

I am going to introduce good Okinawa's culture, nature, spots, and my shop goods.

Come and enjoy my blog.

my shop Okinawa Market