Shinji Kinjo
Photo: Naoko Kitaue
Shinji Kinjo
Born in 1987, Shinji Kinjo began training in Ryukyuan dance under Yoshiko Tanida and Mieko Kinjo of the Tamagusuku Ryu Senjukai from an early age. He completed National Theatre Okinawa’s kumiodori training program, and is a graduate of the Ryukyuan Dance and kumiodori graduate program at Okinawa Prefectural University of the Arts’ Department of Performing Arts. He is recognized as a custodian of Ryukyuan Lyric Drama, an Intangible Cultural Property designated by Okinawa Prefecture, and received the Okinawa Times Encouragement Award (Theater). The inaugural Kinjo Shinji no Kai—Mai Jojo [Shinji Kinjo: Dance, Lyricism] was held in 2017 at the National Theatre Okinawa’s Large Theater. The second installment, Kinjo Shinji no Kai—Mai Shunkyo [Shinji Kinjo: Dance, Spring Delight], was held in 2022 at the Ryukyu Shimpo Hall. Kinjo was appointed National Theatre Okinawa’s Artistic Director in April 2022. He is a certified master of the Tamagusuku Ryu Senjukai, and remains active as a performer, instructor, and director, focusing on Ryukyuan dance, kumiodori, and Okinawan theater.
