Okinawa｜The Stone Monument of the Ancient Ballad "Omorosaushi"—An Ode to the King of the East and the Bird Dance, Time Condensed in the Sunlit Stone Memories

During my trip to Okinawa, I came across this stone tablet on a tree-shaded path. Dappled sunlight shone on the stone surface, revealing ancient characters—a stanza from the traditional Okinawan song collection "Omorosaushi," inscribed on the tablet, a mark of time. The song mentions "the Great King of the East" and "the Great King of the Hand-burning Hole," using the metaphor of bird dance to connect natural scenery with the majesty of kings. Reading it is like witnessing a flock of birds fluttering their wings in the morning light, bringing with it praise and admiration for the Great King. Travel is not just about viewing the scenery; it is also a momentary dialogue with history. In this land, songs are no longer simply passed down by word of mouth; they are crystallized in stone, quietly guarding memories of the past.