Kajadifu-bushi

• Japanese/Okinawan: かぎやで風節 (kagiyade fuu bushi / kajadi fuu bushi)

Kajadefû-bushi is a classical Okinawan song, still frequently played today as an auspicious opening to an event. Employing the lyrics from a classic ryûka poem, the song was performed by Ryukyuan embassies to Edo since at least 1710; it is perhaps the only Okinawan song to ever be performed within Edo castle. Kajadefû-bushi was likely performed on special occasions within the Ryukyuan royal court for some time prior to that

The Ryûka is follows:

今日の誇らしゃや 何にぎやな譬る 蕾で居る花の 露行逢たごと

Kiyu nu fukurasha ya Nao ni jana tatiru Chibudiuru hana nu Chiyu chata gutu

Meaning roughly:

"How can I express my delight today? It can be likened to flower buds beginning to blossom and dripping with morning dew."

References

• Pamphlet, "Gungwachi kungwachi" 五月九月, Ship of the Ryukyus, 2016.