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What is Okinawa Shibai (Okinawan Play)?
Classification according to Emotional Content
Classification according to Scenes
Classification according to Styles
Classification according to Historical Background
Classification according to Local Background
Classification according to Performers
The Archives of Performances
The History of Okinawan Plays
The Modern Entertainment Play in Okinawa (Okinawa shibai)

Clacssfication according to Local Background
Other Island

Description
During the reign of the Ryukyuan Dynasty, farmers were tormented by double exploitation by the king and Satsuma-han (Shimazu clan). And the following prefectural administration policy enacted by the Meiji Government never improved people's standard of living. Forcing people to take over the poll tax in islands such as Ishigagi, Yonaguni and Miyakojima, this misgovernment continued from 1637 to 1903. Based on the tragic historical facts, some plays with motif of the poll tax have been produced. Songs and dance music, which are essential for Okinawan plays, widely incorporate varieties of melodies, for example "Kuumou-bushi" and "Yonakuni Shongane" from areas(islands) like Miyako, Yaeyama and Amami.

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A typical type of Okinawan play
Iejima Handuugwa Iejima Handuugwa Oyakeakahachi Oyakeakahachi Yonaguni Shongane Yonaguni Shongane
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