Live performances from six artists recorded at the 'Ryukyu Festival - Katayabira Shimauta' which took place on August 28th 1974 at Osaka Festival Hall.

Originally released in 1975, collection of Shimauta songs as part of a series produced by Ro Takenaka. Love songs sung by the most famous artists. Ro Takenaka (1930-1991) was a Japanese reporter, anarchist and critic who had a deep love of Okinawan music and is considered to be the first and most influential person for introducing Okinawan culture into mainland Japan.

Live recording of a concert held at Hibiya Yagai Ongakudo (outdoor stage at Hibaya park) in Tokyo which took place on August 15th 1975, which marked the 30 year anniversary of the end of World War Two. The concert was hosted by Rinsuke Teruya, and all the songs are related to war.

Volume two of the concert held in Hibiya park Tokyo in 1975 to commemorate the 30 year anniversay since the end of the second world war.

Volume 3 of Ro Takenaka's collections is of mainly working songs sung by the top Okinawan artists. Some songs were recorded in Yaeyama and Miyako Island. Originally released in December 1975.

Orignally released in March 1976, final part of Ro Takenaka's Okinawan collection. Various shima uta, mostly hi-tempo with energetic sanshin playing.

15 track various artists album of classic Okinawan minyo. Artists include Seijin Noborikawa, Yoriko Ganeko, Sadao China and Minoru Kinjou.

Rare recordings from the late 1920s taken from ultra-rare 78 records. Ryojin Kin was a highly skilled singer of classic minyo, that he performed in his own style. He could also play ryukin (koto) , kokyu, fue and was a excellent traditional dancer. 1. Kajadifuu Bushi 2. Nakagusuku Hantamee Bushi 3. Kuti Bushi 4. Nakankari Bushi 5. Nakama Bushi 6. Mutuhanafuu Bushi 7. Janna Bushi 8. Shui Bushi 9. Shudun Bushi 10. Akachichi Bushi 11. Chaya Bushi 12. Haichikuten Bushi 13. Nakafuu Bushi 14. Nkashi Haberu Bushi

More rare vintage recordings taken from 78s of traditional Okinawan music. Artists are Ryojin Kin (1-6), Seizui Isagawa (7-17), Seiho Furugen (18, 19) 1. Shukkuee Bushi 2. Jushichihachi Bushi 3. Imafuu Bushi 4. Agarii Bushi 5. Shukkuee 6. Asibikuwamucha Bushi 7. Oduiku Fadisa Bushi 8. Fishichi Bushi 9. Agitakaniku Bushi 10. Janna Bushi 11. Akatsuki Bushi 12. Uchidumai Bushi 13. Nnatukuri Bushi 14. Yuzakee Bushi 15. Kachinuhana Bushi 16. Kuniya Bushi 17. Kurushima Bushi 18. Chikuten Bushi 19. Binuchi Bushi

Volume 3 in this excellent series of music treasures of traditional Okinawan music from a bygone era. Artists are Seiho Furugen (1-3), Kenpo Nakadomari (4-9), Haruyuki Miyazato (10,11), Seisho Okuma (12-15).1. Akatafuu Bushi 2. Unna Bushi 3. Nakafuu Bushi 4. Kuti Bushi 5. Nakama Bushi 6. Mutusanyama Bushi 7. Inimazun Bushi 8. Amakawa Bushi 9. Janna Bushi 10. Juushichihachi Bushi 11. Shukkuee Bushi 12. Tsukuten Bushi 13. Haitsukuten Bushi (Shitadashi) 14. Haitsukuten Bushi (Agidashi) 15. Agitsukuten Bushi (Agidashi)

Rare recordings of various artists inclduing Chosei Takara, Hatsuko Tatsumi, Kanako Takara, Kame Itokazu, Chosei Niigaki, Tsuro Ohama and Masako Nakamoto. The 22 tracks include Udui Ayagu Bushi, Kizami Bushi, Kunjan Sabakui Bushi, Ashibi Shonganee Bushi, Kanayou Bushi, Ashimiji Bushi, Shinmuchi Bushi, Ai no Amagasa, Tohgani Ayagu, Honen no Uta, Mamiga Pana, Akan Mabushi, Tubaraama Bushi and Asadoya Yunta.

Compilation series of popular minyo songs from Okinawa mainland, Miyako Islands and Yaeyama Islands, performed by some of the greatest singers. Volume 1 has 16 tracks from Okinawa by some of the finest musicians such as Rinsho Kadekaru, Sadao China, Katsuko Yohen, Shuken Maekawa, Rinji Kadekaru, Hirokazu Matsuda and Yukino Hiyane.

12 tracks from the main Okinawa island, by Sadao China, Kiyofumi Maekawa, Shuken Maekawa, Mayumi Yamakawa & Yui Yui Sisters, Misako Oshiro, Choichi Terukina, Kame Itokazu, Seijin Noborikawa and Rinsho Kadekaru.

More of greatest Okinawan folk tunes sung by Chokichi Terukina, Rinsho Kadekaru, Keiko Kinjo, Seijin Noborikawa, Yoriko Ganeko, Misako Oshiro, Aiko Yohen, Rinsuke Teruya, Mayumi Yamakawa & Yui Yui Sisters.

16 tracks from Okinawa by Shinobu Matsuda, Rinsho Kadekaru, Rinji Kadekaru, Chojin Kameya, Misako Oshiro, Yasuko Yoshida, Namiko Miyazato, Shuken Mekawa and Seijin Noborikawa.

14 tracks from Okinawa and Miyako island by Yasuko Yoshida, Namiko Miyazato, Yukino Hiyane, Suekichi Matsuda, Yoriko Ganeko, Yasuko Urazaki, Morinobu Taba, Emiko Shimabukuro, Takao Nagama, Kiyofumi Tokuhara and Hirokazu Matsuda.

17 tracks from the outer lying Ryukyu islands of Miyako and Yaeyama by Genji Kuniyoshi, Yoshihiro Higashitakanishi, Noriko Higashitakanishi, Minako Kawakami and Hideyoshi Higashisuji.

Fascinating CD of uzagaku, the gagaku music of the Ryukyu Kingdom era. Over 100 years ago, uzagaku was performed during formal court celebrations at Shuri castle. It was often played when special envoys were visiting from China, and derived from Chinese music. After the Ryukyu Kingdom was abolished and Okinawa became a part of Japan in 1879, uzagaku became almost extinct. Now, nine tunes have been revived by the group of artists called 'Uzagaku Fukugen Enso Kenkyu-kai' in Okinawa and the instruments have been restored. Those instruments include string instruments such as sangen, niko (erhu), yongen, biwa, yonko, gekkin, flutes such as yokobue and percussion such as doram sanba. While the style of singing has also been replicated.

Originally released on LP in 1976, rare recordings of some of the greats of Okinawan music recorded in Osaka. Artists include Seijin Noborikawa, Sadao China, Teihan China, Kunitaka Sato and Kame Itokazu. Digitally remastered. 1. Toushin Dohi, Iwai Bushi 2. Acchame Guwa 3. Inasuri Bushi, Maeda Bushi 4. Rokucho 5. Kurudando 6. Umi nu Chimbora, Akayama 7. Myaakunii, Jintohyoo Bushi 8. Amakawa, Amakawa Guwa 9. Takouyama 10. Kadeku 11. Shichiguwachi Eisa, Toushin Dohi, Acchame Guwa 12. Tomari Takahashi

Originally released on LP in 1970, digitally remastered. Rare and fantastic recordings of traditional Okinawan minyo, by lesser known artists today, but the bees knees of their day. 1. Isako Kawata / Asatoya Yunta 2. Fusae Kawata / Hamachidori 3. Yasukazu Kawata / Kuroshima Kuduchi 4. Kimiko Kawata / Tinsagu nu Hana 5. Yasukazu Kawata, Yasumori Yoshida / Modorikago 6. Asako Kawata / Seibumon Bushi 7. Kimiko Kawata / Miyarabi Taiko 8. Fusae Kawata / Tanchame Bushi 9. Yasukazu Kawata / Agai Kuduchi 10. Kimiko Kawata / Shirahama Bushi 11. Isako Kawata / Mashunku Bushi 12. Fusae Kawata / Asemizu Bushi 13. Kayoko Kawata / Awamori Guwa Nominomi

This is a box set of 8 CDs, the first part of an original box set of 16 LPs that was released in 1965. The recordings were made over two years from 1963, when Okinawa belonged to the US, and were recorded on the Okinawan main island, Miyako island, Ishigaki and the outlying islands of the Yaeyama chain. These are rare treasures of Okinawan classical music, local entertainment and minyo, or folk songs performed by Living National Treasures in their day, but whose recordings these days are all to rare. These artists include Mitsuhiro Shimabukuro, Saeko Iranami, Choichi Terukina, Haruyuki Miyazato and many of the songs have all but disappeared. Comes with sumptuous, detailed liner notes by Manabu Oshiro, head of the cultural section in the educational department of the local Okinawan government, the original project was supervised by Haruo Misumi. This Part 1 focuses on the music of the Okinawan main island and Miyako island and features several other unreleased songs from the vaults of Nippon Columbia. Tracks include Janna Bushi, Sakuta Bushi, Tubarama Bushi, Omoro, Shinugu and Amagoi.

Part 2 focuses on the music of Miyako island and mainly the islands belonging to the Yaeyama chain including Ishigaki. The rare tracks include Tongani Ayagu, Miyaguni no Anegama, Hibari no Uta, Shogatsu Yunta and Honen Negaiuta.

Compilation of some of Okinawa's best known songs, performed by some local stars. Artists include Omote Tsubaki, Sadao China, Mine Ohama, Yasuko Miyazato, Yoichi Nago, Kyoko Gushiken, Choichi Tenkina. Tracks include Asadoya Yunta, Koi na Yunta, Takoyama, Tsuki nu Kaisha and Tinsagu nu Hana. 20 tracks.

20 tracks of Okinawan traditional tunes, performed by many of the island's best musicians. Omote Tsubaki, Yukino Hiyane (ex-Nenes) Sadao China, Yasuhara Higa, Haruko Hamakawa, Yasumasa Miyara perform classics including Hana, Akata Sundunchi, Irabu Togani, Tarama Shonkane, Kagiyade Kajibushi and Bashofu.

Wonderful compilation album of traditional music. From court music to 'katcharsee' the up-beat dance tunes, via Yaeyama traditional songs and slow ballads. Includes Syoei Kina, Sadao China as well as some fairly obscure artists, on excellent versions of some of Okinawa's best known tunes.

Album of mainly traditional music including Rinsho Kadekaru, Misako Ohshiro, Itokazu Kame, Tetsuhiro Daiku and others. Plus, two enka versions of Okinawan songs, one of Shokichi Kina's 'Hana'. English liner notes.

Classical and folk music compilation, performed by Sadao China (producer of Nenes) and interestingly the original four singers of Nenes before the group were formed, which you can listen to in the sound sample.

Includes some of the most famous songs from these islands. There are many work songs in Yaeyama, while Miyako has exhuberant dance songs. Listen to one such celebratory song from Miyako on the sound sample.

Great CD of popular songs in Okinawa; Haisai Ojisan, Eisa, Bye Bye Okinawa, Juuku no Haru, Hana, by artists including Mamoru Miyagi, Takao Nagama, Ayame Band, Sadao China and Yasuko Miyazato.

Songs about Okinawan people and the island's sad history; Bashofu, Tinsagunu Hana, Hohnen Ondo, Meoto Bushi, Imin Kouta, artists include Shoei Kina, Ayame Band, Shizuko Ohshiro, Rinsho Kadekaru and Kazuko Mori.

Famous katcharsee songs; Kanayoh Bushi, Kuroshima Kuduchi, Hama Chidori,Toshin Doi, artists are Shoei Kina Group, Seijin Noborikawa, and Deigo Musume.

Old love songs, songs about ancestors and nature, all much loved by Okinawans; Asadoya Yunta, Nakuni, Hiyamikachi Bushi,Uminu Chinbohra, artists include Shoei Kina, Chidori Miyagi, Sadao China, Seiji Chinen and Yoshiaki Maekawa.

The best known min'yo songs from Miyako island; Irabe Tohgani, Tubarahama, Dounan Sunkani, Tougani Ayagu, artists include Genji Kuniyoshi, Shoei Kina, Eiichi Niigi and Takeo Kuruma.

The best known Yaeyama Min'yo songs; Akauma Bushi, Shuura Bushi, Hatoma Bushi, Shonkane Bushi, Tsubarahma, Tsuki nu Kaisha, artists include Tetsuhiro Daiku, Shoei Kina, Yasumasa Miyara and Mitsuru Nakasone.

Compilation of legendary musicians including the 'godfather' of shima uta, Rinsho Kadekaru and the 'Robert Johnson of Okinawa', Seijin Noborikawa.

Essential 4 CD set recorded by Japanese reporter Lo Takenaka in 1975, just after Okinawa was returned to Japan from the USA. Includes superb recordings by all the greatest Okinawan artists; Rinsho Kadekaru, Seijin Noborikawa, Genji Kuniyoshi, Teihan China, his son Sadao China, Tetsuhiro Daiku, Misako Ohshiro and Kunitaka Sato from Amami island. Includes field recordings of Eisa, koudan (narritive song) taiko and sanba (castanet) performances. These tracks are mixed with other recordings recorded by Rinsuke Teruya, father of Rinken. Superlative stuff.

Record companies in Okinawa often are named by Maru (a circle) drawn around the first part of the family name of the founders. Thus Marafuku (confusingly there are two of those) and this series compiles two others Marutaka and Maruteru, both founded in the 1960s to record exclusively local artists. Only now some of these treasures are being re-released onto CD. The first three are from the Marutaka label. This fifteen track CD features dance and celebration songs recorded around 1960. These gems include Iwai Bushi (Sadako Iha Four Sisters), Maikata (Kantoku Teruya), Yakena Kuwadeesa Bushi (Shotoku Yamauchi), Itoman Taigyo Ondo (Yara Families), Sangatsu Ashibi (Toshiko Nakama), Acchamee Guwa (Kantoku Teruya), Hatoma Bushi (Kame Itokazu) and Odori Kanayo Bushi (Chosho Maekawa).

Collection of love songs and slow ballads culled from the catalogue of Marutaka Records, all recorded around 1960. The fifteen tracks include Koi Katare Bushi (Kantoku Teruya), Wakare No Nigasa (Mieko Zayasu), Hamachidori Bushi (Shizuko Oshiro), Asobi Songane Bushi (Sadako Iha Four Sisters), Mujo No Yume (Shokichi Uehara), Miyakone Guwa (Shotoku Yamauchi & Seijin Noborikawa) and Asadoya Yunta (Kiyo Funakoshi).

Fifteen tracks from the Marutaka label about sky, sea and sun, perennial topics of Okinawan songs. All recorded in the early 1960s including Uminu Chimbora (Yara Families), Odori Chidori Bushi (Sadako Iha Four Sisters), Shichigwachi Eisa (Shotoku Yamauchi Group), Jidai No Nagare (Shobun Okuma), Tinsagu Nu Hana (Yara Families), Utano Yorokobi (Chosho Maekawa), Daisanaja (Sadao China & Seijin Noborikawa), Asadoya Yunta (Himeyuri Musume) and Marumabonsan (Sadako Iha Four Sisters).

In March 2005 musician Rinsuke Teruya died from a diabates associated illness. Apart from being the father of Rinken Teruya and a performer in his own right, he was also a songwriter with a association to Maruteru Records. This album features fifteen tracks written by Rinsuke Teruya and performed by different artists for the Maruteru label recorded around 1960. These include Gendai Bushi (Rinsuke Teruya), Ayakari Bushi (Four Sisters), Danku Bushi (Rinsho Kadekaru), Kateemun (Yasuo Takayasu), Harikuyamaku (Tokuichi Yamakawa), Nanchichi Bushi (Shoei Kina), Kugari Bushi (Aiko Yohen), Debune No Uta (Yaeko Inamine), Uchikumi Yunta (Dego Musume) and Beeru Beeru (Seishin Taba). Ohgon_Jidai_Okinawa_4_2766

More masterpieces of Okinawa shimauta (island songs) from the vaults of Maruteru Records, recorded around 1960. The fifteen tracks include Kunjan Deefuku (Rinsho Kadekaru), Ayagu Bushi (Four Sisters), Shiraho Bushi (Shoei Kina), Giri To Jo (Naeko Seragaki), Unju Ga Jo Do Tanomariru (Naeko Seragaki), Nisai Guwa Baachii (Sadao China), Wakare No Kemuri (Teihan China), Odori Kuhadesa (Masao Shimabukuro), Takoyama (Rinsho Kadekaru) and Tohshin Doi (Rinsho Kadekaru)

Rinsho Kadekaru and Seijin Noborikawa are usually regarded as the veteran masters of Okinawan roots music. Before them though, there was another generation even more formative in creating the current traditional style of shima uta. This compilation includes Rinzan Teruya, (father of Rinsuke, granfather of Rinken) Kame Itokazu, Teihan China (father of Sadao) plus Rinsuke Teruya, Rinsho Kadekaru, Four Sisters, Sadao China, Naiko Seragaki, Yalla Families and Seijin Noborikawa. Rare treasures.

Fine collection of traditional music, including some of the greatest artists including Syoei Kina.

Includes Kina's original version of 'Haisai Ojisan'.

Top artist compilation of the champloo 'mixture'.

Second in series of excellent selections of Okinawan court music.

The oldest style of Okinawan traditional music, quite different to the modern style of 'shima uta'. Slower, more plaintive.

Superb double CD collection of Okinawan main island court music, quite different to the usual folk songs. Refined and graceful. 46 songs.

68 song double CD collection of court music, from the western Miyako and Yaeyama islands. A little known type of Okinawan music.