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Tomigusuku City to recreate the origins of Haarii festivalsDate Posted: 2008-05-24 King Wanouso was King of Nanzan, and then Tomigusuku Village was a part of the Nanzan District. Today, Tomigusuku is a full fledged city ready to pay homage to Wanouso, the King of Nanzan who got his crown and royal title from the Chinese emperor of the Ming Dynasty. Wanouso was a popular monarch who enjoyed wearing his crown, along with costumes and accessories. More importantly, Wanouso loved playing with Haarii boats . An often overlooked fact is that the haarii boats were first raced in Okinawa in Tomigusuku centuries before King Wanouso. And that, says Yoshio Uehara, the executive committee chairman of the Haarii Origin Festival, gives Tomigusuku the bragging rights. The day-long festival June 7th along the Noha River in Tomigusuku City will turn back the clock to the 14th century and promote both the city and its cultural past. It will be just as it was those centuries ago, says Uehara. Costumes of that era have already been received by the Tomigusuku City Committee Group, with everything exactly the same as when King Wanouso ruled the region. The costumes were made in Fujien Province in China, the same province original local costumes originated. More than 60 different historical items are being sent from China, including flags, costumes and accessories, crowns, brocades and flags. Uehara says it’ll be a much different haarii festival that found elsewhere on Okinawa, because everything traces to the ancient past. He predicts it will be a fascinating launching ceremony. |
   
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