Folk Arts Okinawa is called the Island of Song and Dance for its rich performing-art tradition. It is also a place where traditional performing arts are still an integral part of people's lives. Ryukyu dance has been designated an important cultural asset alongside such classical types of Japanese theater as noh and kabuki. The sanshin and kokyu, two stringed instruments that came to the Ryukyus from China, are still used today as accompaniment to the dances. Perhaps because of this rich cultural background, Okinawa produces many of the country's popular musicians and dancers. Such pop superstars as Namie Amuro, MAX, and DA PUMP all hail from the prefecture.