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Sadao China, Yoreko Genako, The Rinken Band

World Routes Japan - Tokyo and Okinawa

Paul Fisher is in Okinawa, the group of islands to the south of the mainland. It’s variously belonged to China, America and Japan, and is renowned for its rich musical heritage.

Paul Fisher presents the second of two programmes recorded on location in Japan.

This week he’s in Okinawa, the group of islands to the south of the mainland. Home to a huge US military force, it’s variously belonged to China, America and Japan, and is renowned for its rich musical heritage.

The programme includes sessions and interviews with some of Okinawa’s top musicians including Sadao China, Yoreko Ganeko and The Rinken Band.

Available now

1 hour

Last on

Sat 30 Sep 2006 15:00
BBC Radio 3

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Minyo singers and Taiko drummingJapan - Tokyo and Okinawa

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Music and featured items

  • Okinawa.

    Paul Fisher is in Okinawa, the group of islands to the south of mainland Japan.

    Duration: 08:59

  • Music Played

    • Toru Yonaha and his band

      Nakuni

    • Sadao China

      Hantabaru

  • “Bye Bye Okinawa”

    Sadao China had a huge hit in the 70s called “Bye Bye Okinawa".

    Duration: 10:17

  • Music Played

    • Nenes

      Bye Bye Okinawa

    • Sadao China

      Nakankari-Bushi

  • Rinken Band.

    Rinken Band is one of the first Japanese “world music” exports.

    Duration: 08:35

  • Music Played

    • Rinken Band

      Kugani Michibushi

  • Okinawa’s war memorial.

    Okinawa has a bloody history of battles and Paul visits Okinawa’s war memorial.

    Duration: 04:06

  • Music Played

    • THE BOOM

      Shima Uta

  • Okinawa city’s main music store.

    Paul in Okinawa city’s main music store meeting Bise Katsu, the proprietor.

    Duration: 06:50

  • Music Played

    • Borojino Musume

      Matsuri-goto

    • Rimi Natsukawa

      Nada Sou Sou

    • ORANGE RANGE

      Kagami Remix

  • Wataro Kousaka.

    Paul meets one of Okinawa’s most innovative musicians, Wataro Kousaka.

    Duration: 06:12

  • Music Played

    • Kenny G

      Songbird

    • Wataro Kousaka

      Tinsagu Nu Hana

  • A trip to an “island songs” bar.

    Paul in a food market sampling pig ears and then takes a taxi to an “island songs” bar.

    Duration: 06:24

  • Music Played

    • Yoriko Ganeko

      Joko-Bushi

  • Yoriko Ganeko.

    Paul ends the Okinawa programme in conversation with Yoriko Ganeko.

    Duration: 07:31

  • Music Played

    • Yoriko Ganeko

      Nakuni Kaisare

Broadcast

  • Sat 30 Sep 2006 15:00
    BBC Radio 3

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