Nakata-ku Unner

What is Unner?

Unna is a traditional event held around July 15th of the lunar calendar in each village of Izena Village. Unna" means "big tug of war" in Okinawan dialect, and a tug of war and Okinawan Sumo wrestling are held throughout the night using a big rope woven from rice straw harvested that year. It is a festival unique to Izena Island, where rice cultivation is thriving, to express gratitude for a bountiful harvest and to pray for a good harvest in the coming year.

Event Summary

• Date: Saturday, August 1, 2026
• Venue: Nakata Community Center
• Venue: Nakata Community Center, Nakata, Izena Village, Shimajiri-gun, Okinawa
• Admission: Free

Nakada-ku Unnaa Features

Nakada-ku is the central district of the island where the Izena Village Office is located. The traditional rope weaving method passed down in the village and the old songs sung in the unnaa are still carefully preserved.

Contents

• Tug-of-war: A tug-of-war in which all villagers join together to pull a large rope made of rice straw.
• Okinawa Sumo: Strong wrestlers fight for the belt around their waists and throw each other vigorously.
• Song and dance: Folk songs and dances performed by the villagers
• Sake Banquet: celebrating a good harvest with a glass of awamori (Okinawa rice wine)

Unna Schedule of Izena Village

• Seriku District: Tuesday, July 28
• Nakata District: Saturday, August 1
• Moromi District: August 7 (Fri.)
• Izena District: August 8 (Sat.)

Access

It takes about 55 minutes by ferry "Izena Shoen" from Unten Port in Nakijin Village, about 2 hours drive from Naha. Within walking distance from Nakata Port.