Japanese-track students from the 4th and 5th grades of The International School perform Eisa, a form of folk dance from the Okinawa Islands. In origin, Eisa was performed by young people of the community during the Bon festival to honor the spirit of their ancestors. It underwent drastic changes in the 20th century and is today seen as a vital part of Okinawan culture. The dance is performed using paranku, small Okinawan hand drums that are struck with a bachi (drumstick). The students dedicated their dance in honor of Shuri Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Okinawa that is being rebuilt after a fire in October 2019.
About The International School
Children and adults alike will enjoy these sweet student performances from The International School! It is the only full immersion Japanese school in the USA, and it is located right here in Portland! Now celebrating its 30th anniversary.
