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Cesar Farro Yamaguchi & His Grandfather’s Sanshin
(via Twitter) Here’s a heart-warming story about a 3rd generation Peruvian-Okinawa, Cesar Farro Yamaguchi, who brought his grandfather’s sanshin to Okinawa. Currently studying sanshin craftsmanship in Okinawa at Naha’s Shoukoubou (尚工房) under sanshin maker Kishimoto Naoto, Cesar had his grandfather’s sanshin appraised by the Ryukyu Sanshin Musical Instrument Preservation and Development Association and it was…
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Amazing English Subtitled “Okinawa Live Show”
In the “We can’t believe this is available” department comes a strangely named website called “Okinawa Live Show” from the Okinawa Prefectural Government. Don’t let the name fool you as this is an amazing resource of English-subtitled videos (also available on their YouTube channel) of Luchuan traditional performing arts like Okinawa Shibai, Kumiudui, Ryukyu Buyou,…
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Singer-Songwriter Meli Araki’s “Este Mar”
Ishigaki-based Singer-songwriter Meli Araki released her first amazing single “Este Mar” (This Sea) back in September 2021 and it’s sung in both Japanese and Spanish (she’s nikkei from Peru). The song is available on all streaming platforms and she also has a wonderful acoustic version called “Este Mar (Emerald Heart Version)”. Be sure to add…
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“Utarana, Udurana” 7th Worldwide Uchinānchu Festival Theme Song
The theme song for the 7th Worldwide Uchinānchu Festival has been chosen and it’s “Utarana, Udurana” an uptempo pop song by Green Note Coaster, a band from Okinawa. Now that the song has been chosen, it would be awesome to hear the other submissions too. Good luck to Green Note Coaster and we’ll definitely be…
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Kita no Akainku Shares 4 “Shinshun Minyou Kouhaku Uta Gassen”
One area where the language and culture of Ryukyu is being kept alive is in its performing arts through music and dance. One of the annual events to showcase the arts is the “Shinshun Minyou Kouhaku Uta Gassen” broadcasted by RBC (Ryukyu Broadcasting Corporation). To celebrate the show’s 60th anniversary, Kita no Akainku is sharing…
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Ryukyu Culture Website
There aren’t many websites about Okinawa that’s available in English and this one is well-made. It’s the “Ryukyu Culture designated as Japan Heritage” website and it’s loaded with information. Okinawa Prefecture– once called the Ryukyu Kingdom –has formed its own unique culture. https://ryukyunihonisan.jp/en/
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Naha City’s Promo Video from 1991
Amongst the Naha City YouTube channel’s cat videos (looking for furever homes) and official government ones, is this promotional video from 1991 “Akemodoro Naha“. Lots of great footage from 30 years ago. h/t @siozamami
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Okinawa: Authors in Conversation (YouTube)
If you missed the livestream for the “Authors in Conversation: Akemi Johnson & Elizabeth Miki Brina“, there’s now an archive version for VOD! Mariko Middleton (Ichariba Choodee podcast) did a great job in moderating the conversation. We will take a brief dive into the elements surrounding this incredible unique land, people, and culture through the…
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Miss Okinawa YouTube Channel Premieres a Video Entirely in Uchinaaguchi
Up till now, the Miss Okinawa YouTube channel focused primarily on places to eat and visit while in Okinawa (which happens to be the main part of their job) but they recently released a video entirely in Uchinaaguchi and in 4K! (Yes, they as most other Uchinaa YouTubers still use Okinawa Hougen instead of Uchinaaguchi.…
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October 30th World Uchinānchu Day
October 30th is World Uchinānchu Day and to celebrate there will be a two-part live talk show with special guests Alberto Shiroma (Diamantes) and entertainer Ryuchell. The talk show will be an in-person event (subject to change) and it will also be live-streamed! It looks like the talk show is being produced by the same…
Karakui 