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October 15, 2015
Ryuichi Sakamoto Begins Anew: Opening with a Collaboration with Okinawan Folk Group 'Uunagumi' | INTERVIEW
INTERVIEW | 30 Years Since 'NEO GEO,' Ryuichi Sakamoto Returns to Okinawa
A Conversation with Misako Koshi of 'Unai Gumi'
Ryuichi Sakamoto is back. His first release since his return is a collaboration single with the Okinawan folk group 'Unai Gumi,' titled '“Miruku Yugafu.' 'Unai Gumi' is the group led by Misako Koshu, a representative Okinawan singer. Sakamoto and Koshu share a connection dating back to Sakamoto's 1987 album 'NEO GEO,' which marked his global endeavors. Koshu discusses this collaboration and the 'now' of Okinawa.
Photographs by JAMANDFIXText by KUMAGAI Tomoya (SLOGAN)
'I've always wanted to sing this song by Sakamoto-san.'
Misako Koshu, also known for her hit song 'Dōjin,' is undeniably a leading singer of contemporary Okinawa. Beyond her work with Nenezu, Ryuichi Sakamoto fans will recognize her contributions to the albums 'NEO GEO' and 'BEAUTY,' as well as her involvement with Okinawa Chanzu. 'Unai Gumi' is her newly formed group. Sakamoto's first single since his return is a collaboration with this group, a rendition of Sakamoto's 2004 track 'Undercooled.'
'I've always wanted to put Okinawan lyrics to this song,' says Koshu, and producer Kazuya Sahara.
The original track featured Korean rap; this new version incorporates Okinawan lyrics and a sanshin melody. Sakamoto plays the piano in New York. This single crystallizes the distances, spaces, and sentiments between Okinawa, the mainland, Honshu, and America. And this single conveys a simple message that transcends those relationships:—'The beauty of the sea, the beauty of the blue sea, the eternal treasure of our island' (from the lyrics).
'Now, more than ever, I wanted to sing about the beauty and bounty of Okinawa's nature. You could even call it a 'prayer'' (Koshu).
UA and Cocco Also Participate: Why Okinawa, Now?
Okinawa is in turmoil. The Henoko base issue continues to be a focal point.
'I feel like things are becoming increasingly chaotic. In Okinawa, too, I think many people are unaware of the severe pollution caused by the bases. If this continues, 'Okinawa' will be lost bit by bit...' (Koshu).
Sakamoto has also stated clearly: 'I oppose the destruction of Okinawa's sea and precious ecosystem due to the relocation of US military bases to Henoko.' All artist proceeds from this song will be donated to the Henoko Fund.
UA, who supports this cause, participated with her family by offering 'whispers' (listen closely to hear what words she whispers), and Cocco provided artwork for the cover.
Inside and Out—SAKAMOTO and Okinawa's Sea
Sakamoto's 'NEO GEO,' his first collaboration with Koshu, and 'BEAUTY' from 1989, were the first to present Okinawan folk music to the world in a new form. The fusion of Okinawan folk, rock and roll, and electronics, showcasing pop music and Sakamoto's unique sense of geography and space, remains innovative today. This collaborative single will undoubtedly be significant for long-time fans as well.
'Yes, I am very grateful to Sakamoto-san for introducing Okinawan music to the world. He creates music and works beyond the boundaries of 'inside' and 'outside.'
Personally, I've had the opportunity to record and perform with him in various places. I am truly happy that this collaboration single could be realized at this time of his return, as he has recovered his health' (Koshu).
Incidentally, 'Miruku Yugafu,' the song title, means 'an ideal and peaceful world brought by the Miroku deity.' I asked her again about the sentiment behind this title.
'I believe the ideal lies within nature... Okinawa and the sea possess that, and it's too painful to think it could be lost so easily. And perhaps this is also a 'natural feeling' – the sense that beautiful things are beautiful, and things you like are things you like, a truly fundamental sense. I hope this feeling can be conveyed to as many people as possible' (Koshu).
Indeed, it is music that makes you feel like you're listening to the sound of waves in the sea.
'Miruku Yugafu (Miruku Yugafu) - Undercooled'
Unai Gumi + Ryuichi Sakamoto
Release Date | October 7 (Wed) *Advance digital release starts September 16 (Wed)
Format | CD Single
Price | 1080 yen (RZCM-59982)
'Unai Gumi' was formed in 2014 by Koshu, along with Nami Miyazato and Yukino Hiyane from the original Nenezu, and Emiko Shimabukuro, with whom she has had a long-standing friendship. Incidentally, 'Unai' is an Okinawan word meaning 'sisters.'
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