Ryukyu Buyo Performances in Indonesia -Court Dances Bound by the Sea-

The Japan Foundation (JF), As part of “Partnership to Co-create a Future with the Next Generation: WA Project 2.0.," its comprehensive project aimed at promoting exchange among the next-generation and developing human resources in Japan and the ASEAN nations, the Japan Foundation (JF), will hold Ryukyu Buyo performances in Indonesia.

Ryukyu Buyo, a traditional dance of Okinawa, was created in the era when Okinawa flourished as the Ryukyu Kingdom. It was the classical dance forms of that time that laid the foundation for a tradition that continues to this day.

The performances will take place in two cities: Solo, an ancient city where traditional culture thrives, and Jakarta, the capital city. Under the artistic direction of Shinji Kinjo, Artistic Director of the National Theatre Okinawa, the performances will showcase dances imbued with the history and spirit of Okinawa.

Ryukyu Buyo originated as a form of hospitality for foreign envoys during the Ryukyu Kingdom period, which engaged in extensive exchange with China and Southeast Asia. In Solo, the performance will be held at the Mangkunegaran Palace, which was established in the 18th century and has played a vital role in preserving Javanese culture and arts. There, an elegant program of classical dances and music handed down through the palace tradition will be presented alongside the vibrant Ryukyu Buyo refined in the Ryukyu Kingdom—creating a dream collaboration where the cultures of two royal dynasties transcend time and space.

In Jakarta, the performances will be held at Graha Bhakti Budaya Theater within Taman Ismail Marzuki, the renowned center for integrated arts and culture. The program will focus on Ryukyu Buyo that vividly depict the everyday life of the common people in Okinawa. The charm of Okinawa’s diverse performing arts will bloom brightly on the Indonesian stage.

Additionally, in both cities, workshops and lecture-demonstrations will be held for university students of the arts and Japanese-language students. These events aim to foster exchange with young next-generation individuals who are inheriting classical Indonesian dance or music and promoting cultural exchange with Japan, providing valuable experiences to support their future activities.

Performance in Solo

Date and Time	Wednesday, July 23, 2025 at 7:00 P.M. (Western Indonesia Tim)
Venue	Mangkunegaran Palace
Casts	Shinji Kinjo and the others
Ticket	Invitation only

Performances in Jakarta

Date and Time	Friday, July 25, 2025 at 8:00 P.M. (Western Indonesia Tim) Saturday, July 26, 2025 at 4:00 P.M. (Western Indonesia Tim)
Venue	Graha Bhakti Budaya Theater（in Taman Ismail Marzuki）
Casts	Shinji Kinjo and the others
Ticket	VIP Seat: IDR 350,000 1st Floor Seat: IDR 150,000 2nd Floor Seat: IDR 100,000 Students and those aged 60 and above receive a 50% discount. Detailed information will be announced on the official website and social media accounts of the Japan Foundation, Jakarta. https://ja.jpf.go.jp/en/ https://www.instagram.com/jf_jakarta?igsh=OWg2dm1saW05MWZ1

Workshop and Lecture-Demonstration in Solo

Date and Time	Tuesday, July 22, 2025
Venue	Institut Seni Indonesia Surakarta (ISI Surakarta) SMA Regina Pacis Surakarta

Workshop in Jakarta

Date and Time	Friday, July 25, 2025 at 1:30 P.M. (Western Indonesia Tim)
Venue	Graha Bhakti Budaya Theater（in Taman Ismail Marzuki）

Organizer The Japan Foundation
Co-organizer Bumi Purnati Indonesia
Supported by Pura Mangkunegaran, The Embassy of Japan in Indonesia, Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO)

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