Okinawa Sanshin Music

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Here is a short list of some of the sanshin songs I like best. You can find free samples of most of them on the Internet.

Agarizachi, by Shokichi Kina (pop folk, about Yonaguni)
Asadoya Yunta (traditional, with many variations, dating from 300 years ago)
Shima Uta, by The Boom (pop hit, sounds like a love song, but it's about love of life)
Nada Soso, written by Ryoko Moriyama, sung by Rimi Natsukawa (sweet, sad memory)
Hohnen Ondo (traditional kachashi folk dance, a wish for a prosperous new year)
Musume Jintoyo (a sweet standard about the little things that make life good)
Ashibinaa, by Shuken Maekawa (playful standard suitable for the kachashi folk dance)

Among the famous traditional artists are the master Seijin Noborikawa and the Kina family. Fitting between tradition and pop are singer songwriters like Ryoko Moriyama and Toru Yonaha. On the pop side are groups such as The Boom and Begin. There are more--this is a short list, remember.

One of the nicest things about Okinawan music is this: there are no vocal gymnastics required, just a good sense of rhythm and the will to sing from the heart. Have fun exploring the sanshin world!

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