The monument to Akainko in Sobe, Yomitan Village


The Akainko Festival by the people of Sobe, Yomitan Village / The large chorus, over 400 people, that opened the Yomitan Festival

The name "Akainko" cannot be disregarded when speaking of the history of sanshin music (history of Ryukyuan music). Although he is just a legendary person of unknown origin, he is referred to as the precursor of song and Sanshin as in the saying, "the beginning of song and Sanshin was brought about by Inko, the east sound god." Although he was a person full of mysteries, it is considered a fact that he did indeed exist, for his name appears in the royal government-edited "Omorososhi" as an Omoro master. In the Sobe ward of Yomitan Village, considered his place of birth and death, the "Akainko Festival" is held every year on September 20 of the lunar calendar. A large chorus of more than 400 villagers, mainly members of the village cultural society consisting of villagers of different ages, from elementary students to the elderly, performed at the opening of the Yomitan Village festival held every year on November 3 to honor Akainko.