Eisa folk dances

* Yonashiro

With a history of more than 100 years, Yakena is said to have created the Yakena monologue Eisa in 1891.
In 1894, Yakena disrict's group was separated into east and west groups, and in 1935 elements of the Higashi Eisa of then Katsuren Village was incorporated in the west Eisa.
In 1964 the east and west Eisa were unified, making the best use of both strong points, to be danced today mainly on a west Eisa base. yakena eisa

The Yakena flamboyant costume is one of the specificities: silk crepe-hood and purple headband, silk crepe-long sleeveless vest and a red sash, a red waist-cord tied round at the waist.
Another characteristic is the dance's unique posture with a strong lower back stance (waist dropping) and the hand twists of the Paranku drum.
Having inherited direction from predecessors, the performance is constructed on an exquisite timing of few seconds' variations from quick tempo to slower songs.
In 1996 it was registered by the Environment Agency as one of the "100 sounds" that Japan localities should preserve, and is now increasing its exchanges with mainland Japan and foreign countries by taking part in various events.