Hearing Uta-Sanshin: An Introduction to Appreciating Okinawa's Main Musical Artform

By Norman Kaneshiro
Instructor of the Nomura Ryu Ongaku Kyo Kai. Mr. Kaneshiro is an active performer of both Okinawan classical and folk music, has appeared as a soloist and ensemble player in Okinawa and across the U.S. Mr. Kaneshiro is also a lecturer with the UH Ethnomusicology Program.

TIME: October 14, 2005 (Friday); 4:00 pm to 5:30 pm

PLACE: Tokioka Room, Moore Hall 319 (located across the street from Center for Korean Studies); University of Hawaii at Manoa, 1890 East-West Road

SYNOPSIS: The origins of the Okinawan musical artform of uta-sanshin (song & sanshin) dates back about 500 years. In recent times, the tradition of playing sanshin (a three-stringed snakeskin cordaphone) and singing has become symbolic of the free-spirited nature of the Okinawan people and their island culture. Many people fail to realize, however, that under the simplistic melodies of uta-sanshin lies the heart of a resilient people who have beared centuries of suffering and insult. This lecture will provide an introduction to Okinawan music as a window into the world of Okinawan thought and culture.

Daiei Hawaii is sponsoring an Okinawa Fair at their 3 locations on Oahu from June 19 thru July 2. You'll find imported food items for sale such as instant Okinawa Soba, Nama Konbu, bottled Sanpincha (woo!), a variety of different Awamori, and of course, Orion Beer.

Selected locations will also be making Okinawa Bentos (Kaheka), Goya Champuru (Kaheka & Pearl City), Okinawa Yakisoba (Kaheka & Pearl City) and Andagi (Kaheka) fresh in-store as well.

So, if you're on Oahu, be sure to get your taste of Okinawa at Daiei!

Team i-O Photographer and Correspondent, Myron Akana has returned with a bunch of new photos from his recent trip to Okinawa. They are now available on the i-O Gallery for your viewing pleasure. Enjoy!

Colorful Eisa
dance below my balcony
Beating taiko drums

Art painted seawall
where lovers and couples play
waves wash worries away

Broken stone shisa
Protect me from all evil
It is not welcome

Okinawa day
Fan in an open window
A refreshing breeze

-Travis J. Morgan

If you're like me and you love Pocky (a Japanese snack), you'll certainly get a kick out of this CM starring Yukie Nakama where she takes a huge flop and gets you to buy Pocky :p. Link.