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Akata Sundunchi (赤田首里殿内) 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 Miruku Unkee (弥勒御迎), 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. The festival disappeared during the late 20th century, but was revived and has been held annually since 1994. The song is usually accompanied by sanshin. 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
赤田首里殿内 黄金灯籠提ぎてぃ
うりが灯がりば 弥勒御迎
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
東明がりば 墨習が行ちゅん
頭結てぃ給り 我親加那志
Chorus
だいくくぬ弥勒 我が島に往もち
御拡きぼせみそーり 弥勒世果報
Chorus
道々ぬ巷 唄歌てぃ遊ぶ
弥勒世ぬ世果報 近くなたさ
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