Originally published on metropolis.co.jp on April 2014

This annual Okinawa-style party has expanded from a simple food-and-parade affair to an all-out extravaganza that brings the southern isles to La Cittadella in Kawasaki. Stages will be packed with traditional and modern artists from the islands, including sassy DJ twins Ryukyudisko, slated to appear with a host of other artists and DJs May 5 (¥4,000+1d, glass of awamori included). Visitors can make their own shisa lion-dog ornaments or take an eisa workshop and learn how to dance Okinawa style. Sony Aquarium 3D will also be screening visuals from the famed Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium. It certainly beats the cost of actually going down to the islands during the holiday season.