Iheya is where I belong



Seiryu Uezu, a member of "Iheya Chimu Don! Kids Theater (*1)" who plays Yagura Ufusu (*2), is an Iheya-born junior high school student. He studied his role of Yagura Ufusu from Gakiya region's history records.

"I was worried if I could pull off the part. But once I did it, I could see how Yagura would see and feel, which changed my feeling toward the island a bit.... Before that play, I took this island for granted. Now, I realize we owe today's Iheya to Yagura."
Our forefathers like Yagura endeavored to found Iheya for their descendants. With his newfound appreciation for his forefathers, the boy is confident in playing the great role.

"My favorite event is Iheya Matsuri!" exclaims Seiryu, a member of a school soccer team, since the event offers a good chance to play with local youngsters.

The harvest festival is his second favorite, where he can display his bo-jutsu(*3) skills. "A local senior taught me. All boys here can do it." Seiryu is a great example of the community's strong relationship between adults and children.

"I really like the green paddy fields filled with tall rice plants." For Seiryu, the spring meadow makes Iheya his sweet home.
"I like Iheya very much, because its nature is beautiful, and in summer, the sea sparkles in a clear blue color!" His face shines with the love for his birthplace.

All Iheya children will go through shimadachi(*4), and Seiryu is no exception. "But in the future, I want to come back here."
He sees his future established on this island. By embracing their roots and tradition, Iheya's young will shape a bright future for their home.


*1 a modern Kumiodori theater performance team of pre-schoolers to junior high school students of Iheya. The performance showcases Iheya's history with dance, song and drama at various venues. Their program, "Tale of Yagura Ufusu - the Beginning of Ryukyu Kingdom -" is worth seeing. 
*2 The great-grandfather of Sho Hashi, who first united the Ryukyus, is said to have lived in Gakiya hamlet on Iheya.
*3 a stick fight performance by a male duo which takes place during harvest festivals or Obon events dedicated to local deities. 
*4 departure from the island for high school admission, as there is no high school on Iheya.


I hope more visitors come to Iheya

Seiryu Uezu
An eighth grader of Iheya Junior High School (as of 2015). He plays the lead role "Yagura Ufusu" of "Iheya Chimu Don! Kids Theater", helping promote Iheya on and off the island.




A big Gajumaru banyan tree growing in the playground of Iheya Elementary school. Kids climbing up onto the tree is a common sight.


A volleyball competition is held every year during Gakiya's community day (June). Every one is 100% serious, kids and adults alike!


Gakiya Okka(a mom from Gakiya)


The students from Seiryu's junior high school clean around the school every morning. The pretty flowers in the school garden are nice to see, and the students' cheerful "Ohayo gozaimasu! (good morning) " makes your morning.


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