The Oral History of Shida Fusako and Ryukyuan Dance

抄録

This paper provides an overview of a special lecture delivered at the Asian Theatre Working Group Colloquium titled “Ryukyuan Dance and its Performing Space: Palaces, Festivals, Theatres.” The lecture also introduces Ms. Shida Fusako, a certified holder of the Important Intangible Cultural Property (IICP), who gave a demonstration after the lecture. The year 2025 marks the 80th anniversary of the Second World War. Together with the oral history of Shida Fusako, this paper discusses the political and cultural context of (1) the cultural policies of the United States Civil Administration of the Ryukyu Islands (USCAR) and the Government of the Ryukyu Islands; (2) the movement for reversion to Japan and use of the performing arts; (3) the initiation of projects for conserving cultural assets; (4) the inauguration of arts festivals and training of young dancers; and (5) artistic exchanges with the US state of Hawaii. For further details, please refer to Hateruma et. al. (2012, 2024).