Master Kinuko Mototake has dedicated her life to preserving and sharing the beauty of Okinawan classical dance. In 1996 she founded the Azama Honryuu Seifu Ichisenkai U.S.A. (安座間本流清風一扇会U.S.A.) Classical Okinawan Dance Academy in Alameda, California, with the mission of passing down Okinawan traditions to future generations in America. Every year, she returns to Okinawa to deepen her knowledge and refine her art, ensuring the authenticity of her performances.

Through her academy, Master Mototake and her students regularly perform at festivals and cultural events throughout the Bay Area, showcasing the elegance and richness of Okinawan dance. With meticulous attention to detail, she ensures that each performance stays true to tradition, from the intricate costumes and makeup to historically accurate choreography. In addition to her academy, she serves as the Performing Arts Director of the Northern California Okinawa Kenjin Kai and leads the Eisaa Shima Daiko (drum) group.

In 2013, she founded Okinawa Eisaa Shima Daiko to introduce the powerful art of Eisaa to a wider audience in the United States. Eisaa is a form of folk dance, similar to Japan’s Bon Odori, performed to honor ancestral spirits. Accompanied by the rhythmic beating of drums, the dancers bring energy, color, and tradition to the stage, captivating audiences with their vibrant performances.

Recognized for her outstanding contributions, Master Mototake was honored as a New Uchina Goodwill Ambassador. Proud of her Okinawan heritage, she remains committed to promoting and preserving Okinawan culture and the performing arts for future generations.

Experience the beauty, strength, and spirit of Okinawan tradition—live and in motion

Master Kinuko Mototake in bingata