Ryukyu Mura, which presents exciting events throughout the year, will be staging a Lunar New Year event called Michi Junee on Thursday, Jan. 22. The theme park will re-enact Okinawa’s traditional Lunar New Year’s celebration, which used to be held all over the island.

Michi Junee consists of a parade of men and women wearing traditional Ryukyu costumes accompanied by sanshin and drums. The parade will be led by a group bearing colorful flags and a god called Miruku, who is believed to visit Okinawa on New Year’s Day from across the sea, bringing happiness to the island. Also, a vibrant eisa performance and various Ryukyu performing arts will top off the New Year’s event. Michi Junee at Ryukyu Mura is a great opportunity to experience this uniquely Okinawan cultural event.

The event will be held at Ryukyu Mura on Jan. 22 (Thu.) from 8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. (Michi Junee), 9:00 a.m./10:00 a.m./3:00 p.m./4:00 p.m. (four eisa performances), 11:00 a.m./2:00 p.m. (Ryukyu performing arts events). For more information, please call Ryukyu Mura at 098-965-1234 or visit http://www.ryukyumura.co.jp.

Directions: Head north from Kadena Rotary on Route 58 for approximately 6 kilometers. After passing the giant pig and cow statues at Okinawa Ham on the left, you will see a big sign for Ryukyu Mura. Turn left and follow the road for 3 kilometers.