While the Zenkoku Eisa Matsuri is held in the stadium, the grassroots Koza neighbourhood Eisa parade — known locally as Michijunee — takes place through the back streets and shopping arcades of Okinawa City on the nights surrounding Obon. Local youth groups from each district beat massive taiko drums and perform athletic Eisa dances just metres from watching crowds. The intimacy of the street-level procession makes this a more visceral experience than arena-style events. Koza's multicultural, music-rich character gives the parade an electrifying edge.
- Type
- Festival
- Category
- Matsuri
- Season
- Summer
- Month
- Late August
- Region
- Okinawa
- Prefecture
- Okinawa
- City
- Okinawa City (Koza)
Highlights
- ◆Street-level Eisa Michijunee procession through Koza
- ◆Local district youth groups competing for neighbourhood pride
- ◆Deafening taiko drumming at close quarters
- ◆Authentic Obon-season spiritual atmosphere
- ◆Set in Koza, Okinawa's most vibrant music district