Welcome to the London Okinawa Sanshinkai
We are a group of people who are enthusiastic about Okinawan folk and classical music and traditional dance. Amongst the members are Okinawans, mainland Japanese, and many other nationalities. Anyone of any nationality, age, gender, or musical ability is welcome to join.
Upcoming performances
- 4 April 2026: Japanese Festival, Athens, Greece
- 2 May 2026: Yokimono Japanese Market, Stratford, London
- 20 June 2026: Okinawa Day, Bermondsey, London
Join our practices of Okinawan songs and Eisa taiko dancing
| When | Saturdays |
| Time | 3–6 pm |
| Where | Room G52, SOAS, University of London, London WC1H 0XG. (Map) |
We usually practise singing and playing sanshin (uta-sanshin) for the first 1–1½ hours, and eisa dancing after that.
We play and learn Okinawan folk and classical music and traditional dance using the sanshin (a 3-stringed lute), taiko (stick drums), samba (castanets) and sometimes other instruments like the fue (flute). We gather on Saturdays of every month to practise and socialise, and we play at various events throughout the year, allowing us to perform to a wider audience.
Please come along to a practice if you’d like to find out more. Contact us for more details and to check that we are practising on the day.
