Hirata Daiichi will be taking his one-man show “Nantoushijin” performance to Naha’s Tenbusu Hall on 11/23.
Hirata Daiichi’s “Nantoushijin”
Author: Haisai Richie
Still finding my way.
MORIKEN’s Ukulele Okinawan Sweets
Nope. It’s not something you can eat but maybe it’s something your ears will find tasty. There’s a catalog listing for MORIKEN on Apple Music but sadly it’s still in Preview and not available to be added to one’s Library yet. As soon as they become available globally, we can’t wait to listen to the Sweets albums — especially with ukuleles performing the Kachāshī song Tooshin Dooi.
Himeyuri and Hawaii Special Exhibition
The Himeyuri Peace Museum will hold a special exhibition from 10/1 to 2/27/2022. The special exhibition is called “Himeyuri and Hawaii“:
In 1945, during the Battle of Okinawa, the Himeyuri Student Corps were mobilized as assistant nurses. This exhibition, “Himeyuri and Hawaii,” is an examination of the various relationships that exist between Himeyuri and the people of Hawaii over the years, even as it tells the story of the Himeyuri students.
https://himeyuri-and-hawaii.com
Herein you will learn about the Himeyuri and the ties that they—and their homeland—share with Hawaii.
Just to highlight the special part of this exhibition is that they’re using a special Twitter account, a special website (using dot-com nonetheless), information is also available in English, and you’ll be able to view the special exhibition on their website.
Tamashiro Chiharu’s “Hope Dream Future”
Tamashiro Chiharu (Kiroro) recently announced the release of her solo single “Hope Dream Future” on 9/21. As the song’s title implies, it’s a very uplifting song (very Kiroro) and the recording musicians include Shimabukuro Masaru (BEGIN) and members of HoRookies. Be sure to add it to your collection and check out the MV.
Tamashiro Chiharu’s “Hope Dream Future” MV
Upcoming Concerts at Koza Music Town
With all of the concerts that were canceled, postponed, or live-streamed due to the pandemic, we have to remain hopeful that we’ll one day be able to attend in-person events. If the upcoming awesome concerts at Music Town Otoichiba are any indication, the future looks bright.
October 10th is the Anniversary Concert Bashoufu celebrating 60 years of music composer Fukuhara Tsuneo (pictured). It’s an amazing lineup featuring Four Sisters, Maekawa Shuken, Iha Chieko, Deigo Musume, Yohen Aiko, and Yonaha Toru among others.
October 30th is the Arise Harvest Festival concert that was postponed from 9/19. It’ll feature THE SAKISHIMA meeting (Ara Yukito & Shimoji Isamu) and Matsuda Shinobu among others.
November 13th is the one that sounds the most interesting: SUKIYAKI OKINAWA 2021 “Ainu x Luchu Music on the Borderline”. This concert features musicians MAREWREW, Tetsushi Hiroyama (RYUKYU DISKO), Aoi (Nakamura Natsuki x Shimoji Ayaka), and Okinawa Electric Girl Saya.
2021 Tubarāma Taikai on YouTube
This year the Tubarāma Taikai was held at the Ishigaki Shimin Kaikan Dai Hōru (it was originally scheduled to be held outdoors at Shinei Park) without a live audience due to the pandemic. So in place of canceling it, they did a YouTube livestream and although the video is 3 hours 46 minutes long, the program actually starts around the 1 hour mark. The contestants range in age from the 10’s to the 70’s and come from Yaeyama, Uchinaa, and Japan.
“Tubarāma” is one of the representative folk songs of Yaeyama and is widely sung. The Tubarāma Tournament, which is held every year for the purpose of passing it on to future generations […]
https://www.city.ishigaki.okinawa.jp/soshiki/kanko_bunka/bunka_shinko/6607.html
Lucy’s “Koi no Yoisura Bushi”
Qwotchee Records catalog release continues with Lucy’s recordings becoming available in digital format. At the time of this writing, her album “Koi no Yoisura Bushi” can only be previewed on Apple Music (assuming this is only for those outside of Uchinaa) so hopefully we’ll be able to stream it soon. The album was originally released in CD format back in 2013.
MATSURI’s 3rd Digital Single “Senkō Hanabi”
MATSURI announced on her Twitter that her 3rd digital single will be released on 9/22! At the same time a YouTube lyric video will be released on her channel. We’re looking forward to seeing the artwork for the new single and to hearing it.
Nakamura Natsuki Trio
Nakamura Natsuki recently shared the amazing album art from her trio’s upcoming 4-song release. The trio (Natsuki Trio) was formed on June 23rd for live performance on Irei no Hi. The chemistry between the musicians must have been great as they’re now recording songs that Natsuki describes as a champuru (mix) of Luchu folk and jazz music. We can’t wait to listen to it!
Utabus Shares YouTube Concert
Utabus first came to our attention on Sanshin no Hi with a solid performance. Utabus is a group put together by Naha Bus featuring their talented bus guides. For those of you attending next year’s Worldwide Uchinanchu Festival, while on tour you may find yourself in the presence of one of these amazing bus guides. Make sure to let them know you watched their Ryukyu Mura concert. 🥰
