Urasoe Tedako Festival

Overview

The Urasoe Tedako Matsuri is a community festival held in Urasoe City, Okinawa Prefecture. It was first held in November 1978 and has since become a fixture for strengthening local bonds . The name "Tedako" derives from the divine title "Eso no Tedako" of King Eiso, who is associated with Urasoe, and means "child of the sun" . The name embodies the wish for the region to continue shining brightly like the rising sun, never declining.

The festival is organized by the Urasoe Tedako Matsuri Executive Committee, which comprises about 70 organizations including Urasoe City, the Urasoe Chamber of Commerce and Industry, local businesses, and community groups . The main venues are Urasoe Culture Park, I'm Universe Tedako Hall, and ANA SPORTS PARK Urasoe, with a pre-festival event held on Yafuso Main Street. It is one of Urasoe's representative events. The festival features a diverse program including performances conveying local history and culture, live music, fireworks, and food stalls, offering enjoyment for all ages from children to seniors.

History and Origin

The origin of "Tedako" traces back to King Eiso (1229-1299), who established the foundation of the Ryukyu Kingdom from Urasoe in the 13th century. According to legend, his mother conceived Eiso after dreaming that the sun entered her body, and for this reason he came to be called "Tida-ko" (child of the sun). King Eiso was praised in the ancient song "Omoro" as the "king born country," elevating Urasoe's reputation, and his divine title "Eso no Tedako" became the source of the word "Tedako" . "Tedako" means "child of the sun" in the Okinawan dialect, symbolizing the sun that rises powerfully from the eastern horizon, cuts through darkness, illuminates the world, and gives new breath to all living things. The festival was initiated with the aim of bringing such solar vitality to the community and strengthening civic unity.

The first festival was held in November 1978 under the slogan "a festival of the citizens, by the citizens" . Initially centered on a parade along Yafuso Street, the event gradually expanded to include a hari (boat race) competition at Makiminato Fishing Port and stage events at Urasoe Sports Park. The festival was originally held in autumn, but was moved to summer in the 1980s and remained in July or August for many years.

In 2018 (the 41st edition), the festival returned to autumn. This change was driven by citizen feedback seeking to avoid the typhoon season and enjoy the milder autumn climate. A mock referendum conducted by Urasoe City showed that about 66% preferred autumn, compared to about 26% for summer . Based on these results, the autumn schedule was officially adopted and continues to this day.

The festival was canceled in 2020 and 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic . It resumed in 2022 with a scaled-down format using ANA SPORTS PARK Urasoe and I'm Universe Tedako Hall as venues. From 2023, the main venue shifted to Urasoe Culture Park because the athletics stadium became unavailable due to construction of a new gymnasium. The festival was also renamed "Tedako Pocket Festa" . The new name reflects the concept of treating each booth as a "pocket" for visitors to explore while strolling through the venue.

Highlights

Tedako Enbu Matsuri (Tedako Dance Festival) As a central program of the Urasoe Tedako Matsuri, the local drum and dance group "Chijinshu Waka Tiida" performs a powerful dance . This performance expresses the history of three royal dynasties that flourished in Urasoe: the Shunten Dynasty, the Eiso Dynasty, and the Satto Dynasty, through drums and dance. The audience can feel the pride of Urasoe as a former capital of the Ryukyu Kingdom through the thunderous drumbeats and dynamic movements.

Urasoe Sandai Ocho Matsuri (Three Royal Dynasties Festival) A procession and ceremonies reenacting the history of the Shunten, Eiso, and Satto dynasties are held. This event has an educational element, conveying that Urasoe was an important political center in the early Ryukyu Kingdom. Participants can learn about the transitions of the dynasties and Urasoe's history while watching participants in period costumes.

Grand Fireworks Show A large fireworks display is held on both nights of the festival. The fireworks are launched from the vicinity of Urasoe Culture Park, allowing spectators to enjoy the spectacular view up close. The fireworks, lighting up the night sky, serve as the climax of the festival, fostering a sense of community unity amid the cheers of the audience.

Pre-Festival (Yafuso Main Street) On the Friday before the main event, Yafuso Main Street becomes a pedestrian paradise hosting a pre-festival. Numerous food stalls and stages line the street, bustling with local residents and tourists. This pre-festival builds anticipation for the main event and brings vitality to the city center.

Kitchen Car Gourmet Fest A large number of food trucks gather at the venue, offering a diverse range of Okinawan cuisine, sweets, and drinks. This gourmet fest has been a feature since 2019, and the number of vendors has increased each year. Visitors can enjoy eating while strolling through the various booths in the venue.

Tedako Pocket (Venue Booths) Introduced in 2023, this new concept treats each booth as a "pocket" for visitors to explore while wandering the venue. The booths offer local specialty products, workshops, and game corners. Designed to provide discoveries and experiences for all ages, this concept enriches the time spent at the festival.

Event Information and Access

• Schedule: Held annually on a Saturday and Sunday around the third weekend of October, with a pre-festival on Friday. Check the official Urasoe City website for the latest dates.
• Main Venues: Urasoe Culture Park, I'm Universe Tedako Hall, ANA SPORTS PARK Urasoe. The pre-festival takes place on Yafuso Main Street (pedestrian zone).
• Fireworks: A grand fireworks show is held on both nights, typically starting around 19:50.
• Contact: Urasoe Tedako Matsuri Executive Committee (c/o Urasoe City Commerce and Tourism Division). For the latest information, refer to the official Urasoe City website.
• Access: Accessible from Naha Airport and downtown Naha by public bus. Parking is limited around the venues, so the use of public transportation is strongly recommended.
• Notes: The event may be canceled, postponed, or changed due to weather or pandemic conditions. Always check the latest status on the official website before attending.

Surrounding Area

Urasoe City has a rich history as an early capital of the Ryukyu Kingdom. Within walking distance from the main venue at Urasoe Culture Park, visitors can find historical sites such as the "Urasoe Yodore" (the tomb of King Eiso), Ijo Castle Ruins, and Urasoe Castle Ruins. Exploring these sites deepens understanding of the background of the festival and the "Tedako" name. Ijo Castle Ruins Park, in particular, was once the site of the Tedako Fire Lighting Ceremony, offering a tangible connection between the festival and history.

Urasoe is adjacent to Naha City, making it a convenient base for sightseeing. In addition to the festival, visitors can enjoy the Urasoe City Museum of Art and Urasoe Dai Park, which features large playground equipment and barbecue facilities. Local restaurants serve Okinawan soba, taco rice, and other regional dishes.

ANA SPORTS PARK Urasoe, one of the festival venues, is a large sports complex normally used for soccer and jogging. During the festival, parts of the facility are opened for event spaces. The surrounding natural environment is rich, with green spaces and ponds in Urasoe Culture Park providing popular resting spots for families.

Related Information

• The name "Tedako" derives from the divine title "Eso no Tedako" of King Eiso, meaning "child of the sun" .
• The first festival was held in November 1978 under the slogan "a festival of the citizens, by the citizens" .
• In 2018, the festival schedule changed from summer to autumn, with about 66% of citizens supporting autumn in a mock referendum .
• The festival was canceled in 2020 and 2021 due to COVID-19, and resumed in 2022 .
• From 2023, the main venue was moved to Urasoe Culture Park, and the festival was renamed "Tedako Pocket Festa" .
• The festival is organized by the Urasoe Tedako Matsuri Executive Committee, comprising 69 organizations including Urasoe City and the Urasoe Chamber of Commerce and Industry .
• The local drum and dance group "Chijinshu Waka Tiida" plays a central role in the Tedako Enbu Matsuri .
• The festival is funded by sponsorships and donations from companies, organizations, and individuals; in 2025, 36 companies and 172 organizations/individuals contributed .

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