Yuko Arakaki spent ten years from 1993 singing and playing sanshin as part of Tetsuhiro Daiku's backing group, Tsundalers. This is her first solo album, produced by Yuzo Goto (who played in the backing band of the original Nenes) that combines Okinawan shima uta with a bluesy and tropical sound. 11 tracks.

Every now and then, Sadao China, the legendary producer, musician and founder of Nenes, takes a new singer under his wing. One of the latest is female vocalist Masae Nakada, owner of an exquisite voice. Most of the songs were written by China, who as well as being producer plays sanshin, ryukin (koto) taiko and even some guitar. Keyboards, electric guitar, pianica and other instruments also feature on a quality album of mostly slow material but with some more lively moments. Some traditional sounding songs among the mostly modern arrangements.


Price:   £12.99

First post Nenes solo album from former leader of the women's quartet was worth waiting for.Traditional and original lullabies and songs that tell the life of Misako Koja. Produced and with textured keyboards by Kasuya Sahara who helped shape the original Nenes sound. Includes fascinating song featuring Koja's voice when aged 9, with present voice aged 48. Not just one of the Okinawan albums this year, but of any year. Simply beautiful.

First solo album by ex-singer from Nenes, that includes one song by Nenes. Produced and accompanied by keyboard player, Kazuya Sahara, partly responsible for that wonderful early Nenes sound, and the former main singer with Nenes, Misako Koja.


Price:   £16.99

Female vocalist with Rinken Band accompanied by mainly simple acoustic guitar. Beautiful songs, beautifully sung. Recommended. Comes as CD Extra.

Tomoko Uehara is the wife of Teruya Rinken and one of the best singers in Okinawa. On her fourth solo album she sings shima uta (island songs) accompanied by Rinken on acoustic guitar. The title 'Umachi' relates to one of Okinawa's traditional festivals, that offers prayers for a bountiful harvest.


Price:   £18.99

One of Okinawa's great female singers, Tomoko Uehara, with husband, musician, producer Rinken and his band. Soundtrack to the film Ajimaa No Uta' which includes tracks of live performances by Rinken Band in Okinawa.Not the best place to discover Rinken Band, but a worthwhile listen if you are already hooked by these talented musicians.

Sachiko Shima is the superb female voice heard on Sarabandge and other Kenji Yano projects. On this beautiful solo album of children's songs and songs about children her vocals are accompanied by ryukin (koto) mandolin, sanshin and guitar, all played by Shima, plus bass and other occasional instruments. Extremely warm sound that has a retro feel to it, and a great performance from an artist who deserves a wider audience.


Price:   £18.99

Young female Okinawan singer's second album. Kamiya has a superb voice her talent given the room to shine by producer, the excellent Toru Yonaha.

One of Hawaii's top singers, Teresa Bright sings Okinawan songs, but naturally in her own Hawaiian style, with elements of blues and jazz. 14 tracks including Nada Sousou, Hana, Shimajima Kaisha, Asadoya Yunta, Shima Yakara, Nirakanai Matsuri, Warabi Gami, Chimu Kaganasa Bushi, Nangoku Sodachi, Bashofu, Kaze, TInsagu nu Hana, Hore Hore Bushi.


Price:   £18.99

The daughter of excellent island singer of Okinawa, Koichi Kamiya, shows a lot of potential on her first album. Produced by in demand session player and producer Toru Yonaha. Good singing, excellent sanshin, but like Yonaha's album could do without the western drum kit, which kills the natural rhythm. Nonetheless, mostly enjoyable.

Mika Uchizato is one of the best young female singers in Okinawa. She has previously worked with Ryukyu Underground, and this is her second solo album. Good selection of material avoids the cliche classics, and there is some imaginative arrangements and instrumentation. Occasionally the album goes dangerously high on the cheesy synthesizer barometer, and indulgent over sweetness, but generally another promising album from an excellent singer.


Price:   £18.99

Back in the 1970s Tomoko Kuwae was a pop idle singer in Japan, even winning a prestigious award. Like many others she was soon forgotten about and disappeared. Surprisingly she has resurfaced singing her native Okinawan minyo folk tunes, some with a latin flavour. Aside to traditional minyo, are some of her original songs and covers including Takashi Hirayasu's 'Aitaina' and a duet with Misako Koja (ex-Nenes) original singer of the wonderful 'Warabi-gami'.

Pop idol singer from the 70s and 80s has reinvented herself as a singer of Okinawan minyo. On this album Tomoko Kuwae is joined by young sanshin player Toru Yonaha while Shigearu Sasago from the excellent Choro Club produces. The eleven tracks include traditional Okinawan tunes, her original songs and covers.


Price:   £18.99

Before Nenes were the Four Sisters, that included Chieko Iha. Superb vocals accompanied by guitar and recorders. If you like Nenes, you'll like this.

Reminiscent of early Nenes.Okinawan female vocalist, part of the original Okinawa Chans. Traditional with interesting, unsual backing including oud and violin.


Price:   £18.99

Young female singer from Ishigaki, Yaeyama, and a kind of protoge of Sadao China, producer of Nenes. Although Kanako shows much potential, occasionally arrangements and songs border on cheap and pop. In balance, just about rescued by Kanako's obvious talent as she is a wonderful, charming singer.

Okinawan female singer from Iriomote, Okinawa's wildest and remotest island. Mixing traditional and contemporary but occasionally turns too bland. Features Kenji Yano of Surf Champlers fame.


Price:   £18.99