No.343 Monthly Yaima April 2023 issue

" Bassilon"

-The physical memory of the marching dance of the Mariana Islands and its development on Taketomi Island-

A-fly, Bassailon! A-fly, Bassailon! ...

Have you heard of Bassairon? It is a traditional entertainment dance from Nakasuji Village, Taketomi Island (hereafter referred to as Nakasuji). The dancers' striking appearance - black long-sleeved tops and bottoms, straw raincoats, headgear, black paint makeup, red and pink necklaces, and anklets and bells on bare ankles - is something you will never forget once you see it.

Special feature Junko Konishi