With a name derived from the Okinawan phrase ‘to mix things up’, the Champuru Festival is hosting its 20th annual celebration this year around Nakano station over the July 13-14 weekend. This is your chance to discover Okinawa’s unique culture through dance, music and cuisine right here in Tokyo.
Be sure to not miss the main highlight of the festival: a 180 metre-long michijuné (an Okinawan term meaning ‘procession’) of traditional Eisa dancers. This Eisa parade is the biggest of its kind in the Kanto region, which will take over the Shiki-no-Mori Park North road on July 14 from 4pm to 5.30pm. If you can’t make it, don’t worry, as smaller Eisa performances will be held in front of Nakano Station’s north gate on both days.
In addition to the vibrant Eisa dance, expect captivating sanshin (an Okinawan musical instrument that’s a precursor to the shamisen) performances by artists from the island prefecture, as well as more contemporary acts such as Okinawan-style DJ, reggae and techno.
Check the festival website for the full performance schedule.