Once you forget the language of the island, you will forget the ways of the island. I want to preserve the language of Kuroshima, because it's linked to its history, nature and festivities.
Mr. Miyara, is the first name that comes to mind when anyone wants to know anything about Kuroshima island. He also plays the role of an elder in the island's biggest event, the Hounen Festival. What does Mr. Miyara treasure about Kuroshima?
Mr.Tetsuyuki Miyara
At Kuroshima's Hounen Festival, a Tenma boat, a boat unique to the islands, makes and appearance.
In Kuroshima, the Tenma boat, a boat unique to the island, makes an appearance at the island's Hounen Festival.
Kuroshima has many traditions and performing arts that are unique to the island. For example, Kuroshima is the only island that uses the Tenma instead of Okinawa's iconic Sabani boat during its Hounen festival. This is because Kuroshima is the birthplace of shipbuilding in the region. Our boat is more impressive with its 22 rowers.
The Hounen Festival is a much loved event for all generations. In the past, the elders would claim that they lived to see this yearly festival. It saddens me that it is becoming more difficult to find enough participants, as the number of islanders is decreasing.
The performing arts, unique to Kuroshima, is what's treasured by the people of the island.
This year, I have taken on the ceremonial role of Sashikitorashi, who offers salt and sacred sake to the rowers. Upon signaling, the boats set off, and race to bring back the the pieces of wood floating offshore symbolising good fortune. The dedicative performances, such as the procession led by the Miiraku (God of fertility), and the dances performed by each village are also impressive.
The festival ends with a ceremony where everyone carryies the boat to shore, bringing along good fortune. The festivals of Kuroshima still have origins intact that may have disappeared in other regions.
The island language of Kuroshima is on the verge of disappearing.
The island language of Kuroshima has a soft sound, as it retains elements of the japnanese ancient Manyo language from about 1300 years ago. For example, "Wāritapōriyō" which means "welcome", sounds very gentle in japanese.
Our language is extremely important, to the extent that there's a saying: "If you forget the island language, you forget the ways of the island, and even your own roots" Island songs and events still use this language. However, almost no one speaks it daily, so it's on the brink of extinction. Some things can only be conveyed through the island's language, so I try to use it as much as possible, even in my daily life.
The cows and the people live leisurely here, as there is never any need to rush.
Kuroshima is a raised coral island, which means the land is unsuitable for farming, including rice cultivation. There is no river or well water, so in the past, every house had a large rain water collection tank. Now we can draw water from Iriomote, which has allowed the livestock industry to grow. With so few inhabitants, we get to live as leisurely as the cows. You can get anywhere on the island in 30 minutes, so there's never a need to hurry. On the other hand, the coral reef which used to be so abundant, has almost disappeared.
For the future of Kuroshima, I wish for many young people to live here to keep the traditions alive. I especially want second and third-generation Kuroshima islanders to come back, even if it's just to visit for a day trip and re-connect with us.
またうゎーりたぼーりゆ👋
"Matauwāritabōriyu👋"
Please come again! in Kuroshima dialect.
What is most precious to you?
What is most precious to the islanders?
