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Web: The Power of Okinawa
I’m happy to share John Potter’s wonderful website, The Power of Okinawa. John is the author of the book The Power of Okinawa: Roots Music from the Ryukyus, which I purchased 9 years ago (released in October 2001) and I’m happy to hear that he’s released a 2nd edition which has been “extensively revised, expanded…
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Event: Tobe! Uta Sanshin 2010 in Hawaii
Tobe! Uta Sanshin 2010 in Hawaii charity concert for Hawaii Okinawa Center’s 20th anniversary. Concert takes place on Monday, March 29th at 7:00 PM. From the HUOA website: We are pleased to announce that Terukina Sensei has chosen the Hawaii Okinawa Center to be the site of his 2010 Tobe Uta-sanshin in Hawaii! We are…
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Orange Range’s Hiroki marries – Tokyograph
ORANGE RANGE vocalist HIROKI (26) has been married since last month, it was learned on Saturday. The band announced the news on their official website. HIROKI registered his marriage in February. His wife is not in show business, and he chose not to reveal any personal details such as her age or the length of…
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Saataa andagii you can’t eat but may enjoy anyway
Having a group named after one of Okinawa’s most well-known sweets, Saataa Andagii is a trio led by Shintaro Yamada (actress Yu Yamada’s younger brother). Formed from the variety show “Quiz! Hexagon II,” one wonders if they’ll become as popular as Shuchishin — also a product of the show. The trio’s first single was released…
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Video: Chicago Okinawa Kenjinkai’s sanshin practice
Tom Corrao shares a video of a practice session by the members of the Chicago Okinawa Kenjinkai headed by instructor, June Cabel. Love it Tom! Thanks for sharing. 🙂
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Introducing okinawa-sanshin.net’s kunkunshi database
Upon hearing of okinawa-sanshin.net’s kunkunshi database my first thought was “cool, there’s finally a website that makes available kunkunshi for all to enjoy.” But, alas, the website is actually a database for existing kunkunshi books. Still, it’s a great way to search for a song to find out which kunkunshi book it’s in to save…
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Featuring: J-pop unit RYCOME
RYCOME is a new J-pop unit from Okinawa who just released their debut single, “Koi,” on December 16, 2009. The duo of ma-mi (vocals) and Jacky (DJ, chorus) have created a very nice pop song in “Koi” that’s coupled on the single with “Tears of the moon.” The entire PV for “Koi” is up on…
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App Review: Sanshin (三線) for iPhone and iPod touch
Following our introduction of two virtual sanshin iPhone/iPod touch apps on the 20th and our review of the iSanshin app from Pawana LLC earlier today, we continue with Sanshin (三線) from Crimson Technology. Crimson Technology’s Sanshin app is currently at version 1.1 and sells for U.S. $1.99. (iTunes Link) It’s nearest (or only at the…
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Wallpaper: Meisa Kuroki’s “Attitude”
Celebrating the release of her upcoming mini album, “Attitude” on January 1, 2010, Meisa Kuroki’s label (Sony Records) has two wallpapers up on their site (or as it’s fashionably called, site jack) for a limited time. Grab ’em now and have Meisa’s “Attitude” on your desktop for the new year. 😛 (Via 壁紙fan!)
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Featuring: Ryukyu Soul Ethnica
Featuring a mixture of instruments and styles, Ryukyu Soul Ethnica is a new group to keep your eyes on. The duo of Bobzi and Miku Ama, released a 4-track mini album in November 18, 2009 on indie record label Ajapan. A few of the mini album’s tracks (well, 3 of the 4) are available on…
Karakui 