Harikuyamaku (a name of a dance) is a traditional Okinawan folk song and dance showcasing the region’s cultural heritage. As an asobi-uta (play song), it is performed during kachāshī, a vibrant, improvisational dance that unites communities at Okinawan festivals, weddings, and celebrations.
Sung primarily in the Okinawan language with some Japanese in select verses, the song features rhythmic, onomatopoeic refrains like ハリクヤマク (Harikuyamaku) and クーヤマク (Kuuyamaku), which mimic the beat and movement of the dance, driving its lively, communal energy. The phrase "gamakugwa yo, tamiti yui yui" emphasizes rhythmic hip swaying, with “yui yui” serving as a playful chant to sustain the dance’s spirited momentum, a hallmark of kachāshī performances.
The song’s lyrics invite participants to learn the dance and celebrate Okinawan life, referencing places like Shuri and Naha, everyday activities like eating boiled taro, with humorous references to innocent flirting and romance.
Harikuyamaku bridges past and present, fostering cultural pride and unity through its engaging call-and-response structure and infectious rhythm.
Here are the rough lyrics:
Come, those who don’t know the Harikuyamaku dance, draw near, I’ll teach you! Harikuyamaku! Kuuyamaku—sway your hips!
I'm not here to learn a dance from others,
I was drawn by my love of play-songs, I was drawn by my love of dance. Harikuyamaku! Kuuyamaku—come closer, let me convey my feelings!
For the Harikuyamaku dance, you have to move your hands like this and feet like this. Look how beautiful the dancing girl is! Harikuyamaku! Kuuyamaku—sway your hips!
Who taught you the Harikuyamaku dance?
My dear lover taught me, my brother taught me,
Harikuyamaku! Kuuyamaku—come closer, let me convey my feelings!
Spurned by a woman, oh, how regrettable! I will try this and try that, I must not give up. Will I be the first to say something to her? Oh, that will be dangerous! Harikuyamaku! Kuuyamaku—sway your hips!
From Shuri to Naha, the distance is about one ri (old unit of distance),
Can I choose not to travel? Or do I just travel without thinking?
Harikuyamaku! Kuuyamaku—come closer, let me convey my feelings!
The old man at the small manor,
Is he out catching frogs? Is he not here?
I'm going to eat some boiled taro, so you go ahead. Harikuyamaku! Kuuyamaku—sway your hips!
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