{"id":5556,"date":"2026-08-27T12:07:53","date_gmt":"2026-08-27T03:07:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.guidoor.jp\/yokosuka\/?post_type=news&p=5556"},"modified":"2026-08-27T12:33:06","modified_gmt":"2026-08-27T03:33:06","slug":"iicha-icha-festival-2026","status":"publish","type":"news","link":"https:\/\/www.guidoor.jp\/yokosuka\/new-and-now\/iicha-icha-festival-2026\/","title":{"rendered":"17th Iicha Icha Festival 2026 | Enjoy Okinawa in Yokosuka on September 5\u20136"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The 17th Iicha Icha Festival<\/strong> will be held in Yokosuka on Saturday, September 5, and Sunday, September 6, 2026.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Held since 2007, this community-run Okinawa-themed event<\/strong> takes place at three locations: Yokosuka City Hall Park as the main venue, with LIDRE Yokosuka and Ichigo Yokosuka Port Market as sub-venues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Across the festival, visitors can enjoy Okinawan food, Eisa performances, live music, and other experiences inspired by Okinawan culture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Does \u201cIicha Icha\u201d Mean?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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The festival\u2019s distinctive name combines two Okinawan words: \u201ciicha,\u201d meaning \u201ca tipsy person,\u201d and \u201cicha,\u201d meaning \u201cmeeting\u201d or \u201cencounter.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

With a name that brings these two words together, the festival offers visitors a chance to experience Okinawan culture in Yokosuka.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Okinawan Food, Eisa, Live Music, and More<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

One of the highlights is Okinawa Yatai Meshi<\/strong>, a food area featuring dishes made with Okinawan ingredients and inspired by Okinawan cuisine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The festival also features several Eisa groups performing the traditional Okinawan group dance known for its energetic drumming and rhythmic movements<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Live performances include Okinawan music and the sanshin, a traditional Okinawan three-stringed instrument<\/strong>, as well as a special free live stage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

At LIDRE Yokosuka, visitors can also experience an Okinawa VR program<\/strong>, including a virtual journey through Shuri Castle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Programs and performance times vary by venue and day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Held at Three Venues in Yokosuka<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The main venue, Yokosuka City Hall Park, will be open from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 5, and from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, September 6.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Events will also take place at LIDRE Yokosuka and Ichigo Yokosuka Port Market. Hours vary by venue, so check the schedule before visiting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Yokosuka City Hall Park | Main Venue<\/h3>\n\n\n\n