NUCHI-GAFŪ du SHIDI-GAFŪ: The Wisdom of Okinawa and The Art of Non-Violence

All of these strategies reject violence and have instead taken shape through diplomacy, cultural expression, and exchange. Despite ongoing oppression, communities in Okinawa have continued to uphold their long-standing traditions, including artistic practices rooted in the former Ryūkyū Kingdom, to which the island once belonged.

Drawing on these historical developments and ongoing Okinawan practices, Berlin-based Okinawan artist and community organizer Riko Sugama, together with guests, presents NUCHI-GAFŪ du SHIDI-GAFŪ:

The Wisdom of Okinawa and the Art of Nonviolence. Together, they break away from the conventional arrangement of stage and audience, creating a circular gathering that invites participants to engage collectively with Okinawa’s history. Through storytelling in the form of dance, visual art, music, and dialogue, they trace the experiences of people from Okinawa, including the diaspora in Brazil. The approach of Sugama and her collaborators is based on the principle of nuchi-gafū du shidi-gafū (命果報どぅ孵果報), which reflects a deeply rooted belief in the inherent blessing and value of existence itself.

NUCHI-GAFŪ du SHIDI-GAFŪ: The Wisdom of Okinawa and The Art of Non-Violence

Installation, Performative Interventions & Lectures

Riko Sugama, Toyomitsu Higa, Victor Kinjo, Thaís Omine, Hiroya Maeda, Nanyō Unten, Akihito Yagi, Ayaka Nakazato, Takumi Hosokawa, Rita Sugama, Aki Maeda

• Photography and Guest Lecture: Toyomitsu Higa
• Cultural Mediation and Facilitation: Victor Kinjo, Thaís Omine
• Calligraphy: Nanyō Unten
• Lacquer Art: Hiroya Maeda, Aki Maeda
• Okinawan Karate: Akihito Yagi
• Ryūkyū Dance: Ayaka Nakazato, Rita Sugama
• Ryūkyū Music: Takumi Hosokawa, Riko Sugama
• Director: Makoto Inoue
• Language Coordination (JP–EN): Yoko Gross
• Project Production: Micaela Trigo

Building on their participation in Bwa Kayiman, the international Okinawan community has organized an additional program featuring film screenings, lectures, workshops, performances, exhibitions, and celebrations at SİNEMA TRANSTOPIA and SAVVY Contemporary. The program will take place from July 31 to August 9, 2026.

Commissioned and produced by the Haus der Kulturen der Welt (HKW), co-produced by Micaela Trigo Production.

Riko Sugama and her team would like to thank their crowdfunding supporters via READYFOR for their support.

Part of Bwa Kayiman: Crossing the Mangrove.

Location: Bessie Head Foyer

In English, Okinawan, and Japanese, with consecutive translation into English

Dates

Installation

• Sat., Aug. 1, 2026, 12:00–11:00 p.m.
• Sun., Aug. 2, 2026, 12:00–23:00

Performative Interventions & Lectures

• Sun., Aug. 2, 2026, 4:30 p.m.