WHO WE ARE
Ryukyukoku Matsuri Daiko Massachusetts RMD MA
RMD MA was established in 2020 as the Massachusetts branch of Ryukyukoku Matsuri Daiko, a creative Eisa group founded in 1982 in Okinawa, Japan. The name Ryukyukoku Matsuri Daiko translates to Ryukyu Kingdom Festival Drums.
Eisa (Okinawan: エイサーEisaa) is a form of folk dance originating from the Okinawan Islands, which were once known as the Ryukyu Kingdom. Eisa is a celebratory dance that is performed by young people of each community during the Obon festival to honor the spirits of their ancestors and is considered an important part of Okinawan culture.
As a creative Eisa group, Ryukyukoku Matsuri Daiko performs all year round and focuses on sharing “Kokoro Spirit” with dynamic choreography based on a combination of karate form (kata) and traditional Eisa movements. The performers dance while drumming to a lively mixture of traditional and contemporary Okinawan and Japanese music. They invite people of all backgrounds to join them in exploring and preserving Okinawan culture through the art and spirit of taiko.
As of March 2024, Ryukyukoku Matsuri Daiko has 50 branches in Japan and 28 branches in eight other countries: Argentina, Brazil, Mexico, Peru, Bolivia, the Czech Republic and the United States of America. There are approximately 2,500 RMD members in total.
WHat we do
EISA
We share our passion for Eisa with audiences of all sizes.
The best way to share our passion for Eisa is in person! From local festivals to the National Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington DC, we love to show the world our "Kokoro Spirit".
CULTURE
We provide an interactive and diverse cultural experience.
Ryukyukoku Matsuri Daiko MA promotes Okinawan art and culture in our community and our membership. We seek opportunities to introduce Okinawan culture by performing Eisa and through cultural presentations.
CONNECTION
We build bridges.
Ryukyukoku Matsuri Daiko values the connections between people, even across oceans. We enjoy our friendship with the worldwide RMD community, Okinawa, and our local community. RMD has branches in seven other countries.
Feel the powerful beat of the unique sound of the Ryukyu Kingdom (Okinawa).
We hold weekly practice Eisa (Okinawan drumming and dance) in the greater Boston, MA area on Sundays. We work hard, support one another, have fun, and learn about Okinawan culture. No previous experience is necessary and all are welcome. If you are 18 years of age or older, contact us using the link below to learn more.
『チュバチに五十人の友達ができる』is Ryukyukoku Matsuri Daiko's slogan: Simply by joining, you will make 50 friends at once.
If you would like to visit us or submit a performance inquiry, please click below.
Our mission
To bridge cultures and build community through the Okinawan art of Eisa
Ryukyukoku Matsuri Daiko Massachusetts (RMD MA) is an IRS 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. EIN# 84-4900395
RMD MA is funded in part by the Massachusetts Cultural Council
RMD MA is funded in part by the Massachusetts Asian American and Pacific Islanders Commission