About this event
The 'Tobarama Contest' is a traditional folk song contest that has continued since 1947 (Showa 22). It aims to preserve and advance 'Tobarama,' the pinnacle of Yaeyama folk songs, which sings of the joys and sorrows of love and life set to a unique melody. The contest is also widely publicized as a tourism resource for Ishigaki City. The event takes place annually on August 13 of the lunar calendar, and for fiscal year 2026 it will be held on Wednesday, September 23. The venue is Shinei Park, or the Ishigaki Civic Hall Main Hall in case of rain. The competition invites entrants for the 'Singing Division' and lyric submissions for the 'Songwriting Division,' requiring lyrics written in the Yaeyama dialect accompanied by standard Japanese translations. This contest offers a valuable opportunity to experience the rich culture of the Yaeyama region.
Official website (Japanese) ↗Venue
Ishigaki Civic Hall
1-1-2 Hamasakicho, Ishigaki, Okinawa 907-0013
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