Another best of Rinsho Kadekaru, this one released by Columbia and quite different to other collections. The godfather of shima uta in his prime. 14 tracks. 1. Naakunii, Hantaparu, 2. Meekata 3. Ichubichu Guwa, Jissou Bushi 4. Meenta Bushi, Safuen Bushi, Inishiri Bushi 5. Nishinjo Bushi 6. Kuigataree 7. Kunjan Deefuku 8. Kaisaare 9. Kadiiku, Takou 10. Harikuyamaku 11. Yachina Kuwaaidiisa Bushi 12. Ijuhai Chikuten Bushi 13. Sagichijuyaa 14. Jidai no Nagare

Brilliant live album from the godfather of shima uta. Recorded in 1996 at Kudakajima music camp, known as the 'Spiritual Nature Island'. 13 tracks of traditional tunes, including Nakuni, Toshin Doi, with several guests including Japanese trumpet player Toshinori Kondo, Okinawan female equivalent to Rinsho, Misako Oshiro, his son, Rinji Kadekaru and singer Izumi Higa.Comes with booklet with rare photos and scenes from this wonderful event.NETQUOTEVAR:LINK


Price:   £17.99

Filmed by renowned Okinawan director, Go Takamine, documentary with interview with the legendary Rinsho Kadekaru plus fascinating live footage featuring Misako Ohshiro.

Classic recording of the 'godfather of Shima Uta', at his prime in the mid-70s. Strictly traditional, and a great starting place to discover 'shima uta'.


Price:   £17.99

Volume 2 by Okinawa's most prolific musician, having recorded over 250 songs for various Okinawan local labels.

Two CD set of rare material recorded in 1975, with all songs having the sea as their central theme. An impressive line up of guests include Seijin Noborikawa, Teihan China (father of Sadao) Sadao China, Rinsuke Teruya, Aiko Yohen, Naeko Seragaki all greats in their own right. Fantastic stuff.


Price:   £18.99

Okinawan music's greatest composer, Tsuneo Fukuhara, (whose father founded Marafuku Records) and writer of songs including 'Bashofu' or 'Shima Jima Kaisha' got together one last time with Okinawa's most prolific traditional Rinsho Kadekaru, who died in1999. Classic songs. 'Nakuni', 'Umi nu Chimbora' performed by these legends of Okinawan music. In Okinawan terms imagine Lightin' Hopkins and Howling Wolf getting together one last time.

Okinawa's greatest traditioanal musician, joins up with Okinawa's finest eisa drumming group, Sonda Eisa for a truly exceptional album. Recorded in the 1980s, including a live track. Bubbling over with the atmosphere of Okinawa.

Price:   £18.99

Mid 90s recording of the 'godfather' of Okinawan music. Pure traditional set, perhaps lacking the vocal strength of before, but peerless performances.

Recorded shortly before Kadekaru's death, wonderful album, half tracks sung by Yamazato, two in duet.


Price:   £18.99

Since he died in 1999 there have been a spate of Kadekaru compilations and this is one of the best, drawing on material he recorded for one of Okinawa's lesser known labels. Kadekaru's voice and sanshin is accompanied by percussion on renditions of well known, songs. A fantastic CD to hear the traditional music played in an accessible way.

Excellent best of compliation, including live recordings. 18 tracks.


Price:   £18.99

Tracks from 78s recorded in 1950, to rare tracks from now deleted LPs originally released by Okinawan local labels. Of course, excellent.

Re-issue of classic live album from 1974 of the recently deceased 'godfather' of shima uta. Wonderful, traditional music.


Price:   £18.99

Rinsho Kadekaru who died in 1999, is considered to be the godfather of modern shima uta (island songs). This double CD features rare tracks he recorded for the Colombia record label from 1975 to 1976.