【Designated by the City：Intangible Folk】Uruka Kuicha

Kuicha is a group dance in a circular formation that has been passed down over generations throughout Miyako. Being also referred to as “Voice Accord” or “Wish for God’s Spirit”, the dance unites men and women of all ages and embodies the joy of achievement of their wishes. Originally, the common practice was that the people would offer prayers for a rich harvest and rain at Utaki sites, but in later years, young men and women of villages began to gather for singing and dancing.Uruka Kuicha is unique to the Uruka settlement. It describes the scene where, a long ago, young men and women spent time at night, singing and dancing after being freed from their daytime work, as well as the picture of a man taking out his favorite girl by the hand and the sleeve, and talking together all night.

They sometimes start singing and dancing altogether, and at other times, they are divided into two groups; some sing and dance, and the others keep rhythm and dance, and they take turns later. Mostly, men sing and dance, and women keep rhythm and dance. The dance with its songs and hand claps gives an energetic and cheerful atmosphere.