is a traditional Okinawan song about Maitreya, a Buddhist bodhisattva. The song is named after the Ufuamushirare Temple in Akata Village, part of Shuri, Okinawa.
Overview
The worship of Maitreya, known in Okinawan as , was adopted by the Ryukyuan religion where he is associated with Nirai Kanai. He was enshrined at the Ufuamushirare Temple near Shuri Castle and received royal patronage from the King of Ryukyu. The song, Akata Sundunchi, was sung during the Maitreya festival on the 16th day of the seventh month of the lunar calendar, which is now held on the Sunday closest to July 16.Naha City Museum of History. Shundunchi atō 首里殿内跡 (in Japanese). Naha City Historic Sites. http://www.rekishi-archive.city.naha.okinawa.jp/archives/site/%E9%A6%96%E9%87%8C%E6%AE%BF%E5%86%85%E8%B7%A1 (accessed February 7, 2017). The festival disappeared during the late 20th century, but was revived and has been held annually since 1994.Chibana, Megumi and Mark Ealey. "Miruku Unke parade held to pray for good health," Ryukyu Shimpo. August 21, 2012. http://english.ryukyushimpo.jp/2012/09/06/7884/ The song is usually accompanied by sanshin.Ealey, Mark. "Miminme festival held to pray for good crops," Ryukyu Shimpo. May 12, 2013. http://english.ryukyushimpo.jp/2013/05/21/10344/ It has become a popular children's song.
Lyrics The second verse is sometimes placed after the third, and the fourth is sometimes absent.
Original text ぎてぃ うりががりば Chorus しーやーぷー しーやーぷー みーみんめー みーみんめー ひーじんとー ひーじんとー いーゆぬみー いーゆぬみー がりば がちゅん てぃり Chorus だいくくぬ がにもち きぼせみそーり Chorus ぬ てぃぶ ぬ くなたさ Chorus
Transliteration
Akata Sundunchi Kuganiduuruusa Giti Uriga Aka Gariba Miruku Unkee Chorus Shiiyaapuu Shiiyaapuu Miiminmee Miiminmee Hiijintoo Hijintoo Iiyunumii Iiyunumii Agariaga Gariba Shiminaree Ga Ichun Kashirayu Ti Taboori Wa Uganashi Chorus Daikuku Nu Miruku Wa Ga Shima Ni Imochi Uka Kibosemisoori Miruku Yugafu Chorus Michimichi Nu Chimata Utauta Ti Ashibu Miruku Yu Nu Yugafu Chikakunasa Chorus
Translation Inside Shuri Temple in Akata Village, hang a golden lantern If it glows brightly, we'll beckon Maitreya Boddhisattva Chorus When the sun rises, I will go to school Please put up your hair for my master Chorus Maitreya, please come to my island Please spread the word of Maitreya's world peace Chorus Everyone there will sing songs It seems that Maitreya's peaceful world is near Chorus
References