Old fragments of Japanese culture
“Kamiuta” and Old Songs from the Miyako Islands
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Ticket:
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¥5,500, free seating
Students:¥3,500 (*sold only at Arion Ticket Center)
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The true Blues of Ryukyus - Experience Kamiuta, the ceremonious songs, and Old folk songs of Miyako islands!
Finally, after many years and much travelling, renowned itinerant musician, Makoto Kubota reached the Miyako Islands.
He has travelled extensively through the island of Okinawa; beyond the Yaeyama Islands; and has now been captivated by the music of the Miyako Islands. Their music is neither rock nor pop. What Makoto Kubota chanced upon is music for the purity of the heart, the divine - as sung by local grandmothers from the Nishihara area, many of whom are well into their 80’s. Kubota recounts, “I realized then that I had finally discovered the true music”.
Kamiuta of Miyako Island takes up an important place in the history of Japanese literature. The songs tell the tales of a search for wells for water, the founding of a village and other epics detailing the exploits of numerous heroes. It is believed that Kamiuta gave birth to the ancient form of folk music called Aagu, which is still passed down from generation to generation, and sung by the people of Miyako to this day.
There are two kinds of Kamiuta, one sung only in rituals in the presence of Gods in the Utaki, where locals believe it to be the sacred ground; and the other sung in daily rituals. At this Tokyo Summer Festival, the audience will have the opportunity to savor both Kamiuta and Aagu performances.
The Kamiuta songs contained in our two performances are from the people of Ikema Island, Nishihara in Miyako Island and Sarahama in Irabu Island, who all migrated from Ikema island long ago but profess to be the ethnic Ikema people, who to this day, are still carrying on their unique culture even though a long time has passed since their migration. The performers include the folk music child prodigy Yuta Fukushima, only a 4th grader, who sings enchanting Irabu folk songs. Also performing is the island’s best kept secret virtuoso Hiroshi Morishima, whose music Kubota acclaims as “the blues”. Invited from Tarama Island, located between Miyako and Ishigaki Island, is the guest performer, Haruko Hamakawa, who will be performing rare old folk songs and epic, work-based songs.
Kamiuta and the old folk music of Miyako Island have persevered through a history of hardship of borne under severe tax systems suffered by its people and the harsh, unforgiving weather of the island. It continues to thrive in the daily lives of the islanders as a valuable part of their traditional culture.
Its voice and sound are sure to be recognized as a very valuable “missing link” in the field of world ethnic music. The blues of the Ryukyu will definitely have an enormous influence on rock and pop music in the years to come.
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Nishihara area, Miyako island
< Kamiuta >
The octogenarian and septuagenarian female singers from the Nishihara area, descendants of the original migrants from Ikema Island, will perform songs dedicated to Gods. They have all served the roles of the spiritual priestesses called Nanamui. When their CD debuted last year, a local TV station affectionately dubbed them “the Nishihara Candies (the popular 70’s female trio).”
Matsu Takara
At the age of 93, she still goes out to her sugar cane field every day and takes care of her crops.
Toyo Nagasaki
Age 93. She is in charge of the songs and the dances.
Kiyo Murayama Age 87. She is the owner of amazing singing voice despite of her age.
< Old folk songs >
A three-piece ensemble with the sanshin, the drums and the singer presents old folk songs from the Nishihara area. The music performed will be songs for Myakuzutsu, an important ritual; and the music and dance for Kuicha, the most famous of the prayer festival music which is performed with the hope that there will be a good harvest on Miyako Island.
Hiroshi Morishima (vocal ,sanshin) age 82
An expert in Miyako folk music; he has been singing and playing the sanshin from an early age.
His vocals and sense of rhythm are second to none. His vocation is farming, growing sugar cane and other produce.
Kimi Motomura (chorus) age 82
She has long been the able provider of Mr. Morishima’s musical accompaniment. She also has served as the spiritual priestess for the village.
Toshi Nagata (taiko) age 79
Mr. Morishima’s neighbor and a long time rhythm partner.
Sada Tomori (chorus, dance) age 91
The Sarahama area, Irabu Island
< *Kamiuta >
The Sarahama area of Irabu Island is very active in holding festivals in present-day Miyako.
Three spiritual leaders each selected from two villages, Ikemazoe and Maezatozoe, arrange & organise more than 40 festivals annually. The 6 former spiritual leaders who have just completed their service are taking part in the event, performing traditional Ikema and Sarahama songs for Gods and other celebratory songs.
Miyo Hamakawa
Age 57. former Fudukasa: former spiritual leader who is the leader of the group.
Kunie Nagasaki
Age 58. former Kakara: former spiritual leader who leads the songs.
Toshimi Uehara
Age 56. former Kakara: former spiritual leader who leads the songs.
Chiyomi Yogi
Age 55. former Kakara: former spiritual leader who leads the songs.
Yaeko Nakama
Age 52. former Nakanma: former spiritual leader who supports Fudukasa
Harneys Sarahama
< *Old folk songs of Irabu >
Irabu Island located next to Miyako Island is known as a trove of ancient folk songs and music, including many masterpieces expressing the yearning of its people for Irabu Island.
In this event, Yuta Fukushima, a grandson of Hojo Fukushima, (locally known as “the master”), and his family will sing old folk songs from Miyako and Irabu.
Hojo Fukushima (vocal, sanshin)
Age 72. The maestro of Irabu folk music and a former town councilor.
Hirokazu Fukushima (taiko)
Age 48. He works at the airport and teaches Irabu folk music to young, promising musicians.
Yuta Fukushima (vocal, sanshin)
Age 10. A vivacious 4th grader with a soulful singing style. You’d be hard-pressed to find a person in Miyako who does not know him.
Tarama Island
< *Old songs of Tarama Island >
Tarama Island is famous for its Hachigatsu-odori (August Dance), a traditional performing arts event characteristic of the island’s tropical environment. Performing in this event will be the splendid vocals of a little known folk music genre called Yuneku.
Haruko Hamakawa (vocal)
As one of the best singers of Tarama, she has recorded two songs on the record titled, “Music of the Southern Seas, the Miyako and Tarama Edition”, released by King Records.
Kakihana Masakazu (sanshin)
Age 49. He is a folk music lover, who serves the role of the Jikata in Hachigatsu-odori of Tarama. He is also the vice-chairman of the Tarama Cultural Society.
Supervision and Navigator
Makoto Kubota (musician, producer)
He began his musical career when he was a student at Doshisha University, and has since performed numerous concerts overseas and produced many musical works. Since his first introduction to the music of Okinawa, when he thrust Shokichi Kina to a wider audience on the mainland, he has also played an important role in producing and introducing many new, undiscovered Asian artists to the Japanese music scene. His first book “Visiting the Music of the World” was published in 2006.
Commentary
Ankou Sadoyama (ceramic artist, Head of the Miyako Patrimony Culture Research Center)
Sadoyama co-founded ,“The Association of Gods and Forests of Miyako Island”, with folklorist Kenichiro Tanikawa. They hold an annual meeting that includes; lectures, a symposium and workshops, and also the chance to actively take part in various activities aimed at protecting the nature and spirituality of Miyako.
Morio Iraha (Poet, Chief Researcher at the Institute of Ikema Local History Research Laboratory)
A poet born on the island who is also studying the history of Ikema and it’s dialect. He has many published works including, his anthology and numerous research works. He is a resident of Ikema Island.
¥5,500, free seating
Students:¥3,500 (*sold only at Arion Ticket Center)
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