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Tuesday, May 27, 2003

>> What’s on in May/June?

With only a few days left in May, you can still catch the rerun of “NIght Hospital” (TV Japan, Episode 8 of 10), starring Yukie Nakama in the lead role on Wednesday, May 29th at 7:17 pm HST. The new episode airs on Saturday, May 31st at 4:10 pm HST. You can also catch her on the English-subtitled rebroadcast of NHK Taiga Drama’s “Musashi” before that (also on TV Japan) at 11:15 am HST (the show airs every Saturday).

In June we can see even more of Yukie in “Musashi” every Sunday at 2:00 pm HST on TV Japan (the show is rebroadcasted later in the evening at 7:15 pm). “Musashi” also airs on KIKU TV (Hawaii) every Tuesday at 8:00 pm HST and is rebroadcasted Sundays at 7:00 pm (note: the KIKU TV shows are English-subtitled but about three months behind the TV Japan broadcast schedule). TV Japan will also be airing the final episode of “Night Hospital” on Saturday, June 7th at 4:10 pm.

Other shows to look forward to on TV Japan are:

• “Kinyou Show Time: Okinawa no Ongaku wa Suteki sa!” which airs on Friday the 13th (yikes!) at 4:00 pm HST with a rerun airing at 10:15 pm.
• “BS Junior Nodo JIman” which airs on Sunday, June 29th at 11:00 am HST. The J-pop guest for this show from Saitama Prefecture is Takako Uehara.

That’s it for now!

>> Rina Chinen in “Kochira Hon-Ikegami-Sho”

J-pop singer and actress, Rina Chinen can be seen in the drama “Kochira Hon-Ikegami-Sho” on NGN TV every Tuesday nights at 8:30. Rina stars as a police office clerk (OL or Office Lady) in this lighthearted drama.


The drama began airing in Japan from April 14th on TBS and other cast members include: Yuriko Hoshi, Masanobu Takashima, Maki Mizuno, Ken Kaneko, and Ai Kago (from the J-pop group Morning Musume).

>> On the menu

Here’s a list of things I have coming up on the pop:

• My 4th and final Hawaii J/O music store review of Tower Records.
• New Terebikko news.
• A guide to navigating the pop site. I know that most of you visiting here are probably newbies to this whole weblog thing so I’ll have a step-by-step tutorial on the best way to get the most from my site. In the meantime, if you have any questions you know who to ask.
• A list and description of Okinawan performing arts schools/groups in Hawaii.
• A new A Closer Look featuring O-pop stars and minyou stars.
• Interviews with anyone willing to talk to me in real life, IM with me, or through email.
• Up-to-date news on O.M.G. (Okinawan Music Geeks), an Okinawan music lovers group I’m trying to establish. I’m thinking of changing the name to O.M.F. or Okinawan Music Fans. What do you think? (Btw, we’re still accepting members.)
• Of course my DotW (Discography of the Week) will continue as it has been.

There’s much, much, much more coming here at the pop so keep coming back, okay? Nifee! v(^o^)v

>> JAL Kabegami Collection

I’m way late on this one but here are some kabegami (that’s Japanese for wallpaper) for your Mac or PC desktop. The kabegami are from the JAL Kabegami Collection (JAL=Japan Airlines) and are available in screen res sizes of 800x600, 1024x768, and 1280x1024 (for you lucky ones with big screen real estate).

What’s the Okinawan pop connection? Well, there is a calendar (it’s for the month of May) kabegami of JAL’s image character and current hunk of the J-dorama world, Kenji Sakaguchi. And, there’s a calendar kabegami of Shuri Castle. Happy D/L!

Monday, May 26, 2003

>> RecordStoreReview.com

I’ve added my review of Hokama’s music store to the database over at RecordStoreReview.com — “the worldwide directory for serious music buyers”. Go check it out (it’s a summary of my original review) and don’t forget to vote for the store too!

Sunday, May 25, 2003

>> DotW: Oshima, Yasukatsu

Ôshima, Yasukatsu (1969 ∼ )
Date of Birth: 1969
Place of Birth: Yaeyama
Official URI: Ôshima Yasukatsu Jimusho
Record Label URI: @Victor Entertainment
Genre: Minyou


“Nishikaji Haikaji”
Polystar Co., Ltd. | PSCR-5066 | Released on 11.26.1993
Track Listing:
01 Irayoi Tsukiyahama
02 Matsuri
03 Nisikaji Haikaji
04 Takana Bushi
05 Ufurawauitsui
06 Yonaguni Shonkane
07 Mitarahama
08 Shima he Nigeru
09 Ano Hi no Mama de
10 Uminchu Bugi [Boogie]


“Âri nu Tu”
Victor Entertainment, Inc. | VICG-60204 | Released on 6.23.1999
Track Listing:
01 Shimazake no Uta
02 Akayura
03 Natsibana
04 Ayou “Âri nu Tu”
05 Âri nu Tu
06 Majangâ/Bosupou Bushi
07 Tsuki nu Kaisha
08 Marumabunsan/Tonosama Bushi
09 Kariyushi nu Funi
10 Yanbaruji
11 Agekun no Ura Bushi


“Ba ga Shima nu Uta (Songs of My Islands)”
Victor Entertainment, Inc. | VICG-60418 | Released on 11.22.2000
Track Listing:
01 Tubarâma
02 Yagujâma
03 Ufuda Bushi
04 Tsuki nu Mapirôma
05 Sakodâppa
06 Sakiyama Bushi
07 Sakiyama Yunta/Minatôma
08 Akamata Bushi
09 Touzato Bushi
10 Buzâtôra
11 Naganan Bushi
12 Sonbarê Bushi
13 Yuruami Bushi

Thursday, May 22, 2003

>> Review: Hakubundo

Hakubundo, Inc.
1600 Kapiolani Boulevard, Suite 121
Honolulu, Hawaii 96814
(808) 947-5503
URI: Hakubundo, Inc.

Summary:

Hakubundo is one of the nicest looking stores for Japanese things in Hawaii. They have books, magazines, CDs, posters, toys, and a whole bunch of stuff that any Japanphile would love. Unfortunately, they don’t carry any Okinawan music (although they do special orders), and their prices are relatively high at about ¥500 or more above the regular CD album price. They’ve been around for a long time (my guess is more than 25 years) and they also take special orders through their Web site. Located in the Pan Am Building across from Ala Moana Shopping Center, parking can be validated in the store.


Hakubundo is a fine looking store. Think of a Banana Republic type of design for a local Japanese store and it’s easy to see why this store wins my award (i.e., if I ever made make one) for best design in a local Japanese store. Like my previous review of Bookoff, Hakubundo is a store that also sells a host of other Japanese things besides music-related stuff (which includes CDs, CD Singles, artists’ posters, artists’ calendars, and videos). One thing I must warn people about is that their store is too nice so as to make things rather “untouchable” (read: Do not touch [the merchandise]) which is understandable given the price for some of the items on display. You also have a feeling of not being able to browse to your heart’s content, but maybe that’s just me being overly conscious of my surroundings (especially since I was the only customer in the store at the time). The lone person on the sales floor (besides the people in the back office) was very kind, and she reminds me of one of my mom’s friends from Japan. Her English is quite good but it’s best to try out your Japanese with her if you’re the adventurous type.


As noted above in my summary of the store, they don’t carry Okinawan music but they can do special orders so be sure to make a list (preferably with the artist/group name, album title, and catalog number or sku [barcode] if possible) before you get there. Their CD album prices are relatively high at about ¥500 or more than the regular price (at an average of ¥3000 per CD album) which is comparable to Hokama’s Music (from my first review). Hakubundo’s strength is in their J-pop selection (which I must add is displayed very well) and this is the store to go to if you want the latest music before the other stores get their shipments in. I think it’s rather interesting that Hokama’s Music, Bookoff, and Hakubundo, each have their own niche in the Japanese/Okinawan music market in Hawaii. They could easily compete with each other (especially given that they’re located in close proximity to each other) but they choose to coexist with each other instead. For instance, you go to Hokama’s Music for enka and Okinawan music, Bookoff for used and overseas J-pop and enka music, and to Hakubundo’s for brand-spankin’ new straight from Japan J-pop music. I think this is great and I hope these stores (yeah, I’m getting away from just writing about Hakubundo - sorry) much success in the future.

Wednesday, May 21, 2003

>> Kashi: Nidaime Teishinkai Hawaii Shibu Members

As promised I have put the lyrics to the songs we’ll be performing next year up on this site. These are PDF files although I can also send them to you as AppleWorks or text files so just let me know.

(Please note that the files will [or should] download as soon as the link is clicked on.)

Download the lyrics in hiragana.
Download the lyrics in romaji.

Tuesday, May 20, 2003

>> Okinawan Music Geeks (O.M.G.)

Okay, that (“O.M.G.”) name is not etched in stone yet, but it’s a start. I’m starting an Okinawan music listeners (lovers) club so I’m looking for the all-important “CLUB MEMBERS” in order to make this thing work.

What will the O.M.G. do? Well, for starters, I want this to be a way that extreme lovers of Okinawan music of all genres can get together (in real life) to share music stories, trade music, listen to music, and perhaps go on a tour to minyou clubs and/or J/O-pop concerts in Okinawa.

Who should join the O.M.G. club? Anyone with an interest in Okinawan music who actually owns LPs, cassettes, CDs, videos, or DVDs of any genre of Okinawan music. How can you join O.M.G.? You can either 1) email me or 2) leave a Yuntaku (comment) on this post (it automatically gets emailed to me). Or better yet, if you know me in real life, give me a call.

>> Ryukyu Festival 2003 in Tokyo

Stumbled upon this bit of news while updating my Parsha cluB Fanblog: The Ryûkyû Festival 2003 in Tokyo will take place on Sunday, September 28 at Hibiya Open-Air Concert Hall (Hibiya Yagai Ongakudou).

Gates will open at 3:45 pm and the concert will start at 4:30 pm. Presale tickets are Yen 6,500 and tickets at the door (on concert day) will cost Yen 7,000. More info on this wonderful event can be made by contacting M&I Company at: 03-5453-8899.

Some of the performers will be: Seijin “Seigwa” Noborikawa (utasaa), Kousei Miyara (Yaeyama utasaa), Yoriko Ganeko (utasaa), Parsha cluB (O-pop), Begin (O-pop), Shakari (O-pop), Isamu Shimoji (Miyako utasaa), Tôru Yonaha (utasaa — he’s also made his name a little easier to read: よなは徹), Chihiro Kamiya (utasaa), among others.

Monday, May 19, 2003

>> 2003 Okinawa T-Shirt Design Contest

Team i-O member Travis has an Okinawa t-shirt design contest up at his site. Ever wanted your Okinawan design on a t-shirt to be sold worldwide? He’s even offering prizes for the winning designs too so check it out!

Friday, May 16, 2003

>> An early DotW post becomes my 100th

I’m going to be quite busy this weekend so I decided to post the DotW (Discography of the Week) a couple days early. That entry (the one previous to this) also happens to be the 100th post for the pop site. v(^o^)v

>> DotW: Shiroma, Kenichi

Shiroma, Kenichi (1961 ∼ )
Date of Birth: 1961
Place of Birth: Yaeyama
Official URI: Ken’s Club
Record Label URI: Studio Hibiki
Genre: O-pop


“The Voice of Soul”
Studio Hibiki/Futoh Records | STH-002 | Released in 2001
Track Listing:
01 Tin tu Mi nu Sake
02 Kunjan Sabakui
03 Tomata Bushi
04 Ayagu - Hounen no Aya
05 Bangamuri
06 Kawarayama Bushi
07 Kuichâ
08 Tenyô
09 Takana Bushi
10 Another Window

Thursday, May 15, 2003

>> An online interview with Amuro Namie (from 2000)

While gathering information for a future post on the history of J-Pop stars from Okinawa, I stumbled upon an online interview between Time (magazine) and Amuro Namie from the year 2000.

“Japanese pop diva Namie Amuro grows up”

It’s an informative interview done at one of the most important points of her career — the year she made her comeback (from a year off for the birth of her son) to the J-Pop scene, the sudden death of her mother, and her appearance at the G-8 summit on Okinawa.

Tuesday, May 13, 2003

>> A Closer Look: Ryukyu Hime

Monday, May 12, 2003

>> Kiroro Wallpaper Available

Kiroro kabegami (wallpaper) is available for a limited time (until May 18) at ARSOA’s site. The duo (of Chiharu & Ayano) are the new image characters for ARSOA’s cosmetic products, and they have an online diary up on the site as well. The kabegami is only available for download in a screen resolution size of 1024x768. Enjoy!

>> Save the Children SPEED LIVE 2003

Who didn’t like them? Who wasn’t heartbroken when they heard the group was breaking up? Guess, what? No, they’re still pursuing their solo careers, but they are getting together this year for a special cause — Save the Children 2003.

Since going their separate ways in March of 2000, the members of SPEED (Eriko, Hiro, Hitoe, and Takako) will be getting together for the first time in two years. In 2001, the group got together and recorded a special CD-single called “One More Dream” as well as a concert album called “SPEED Memorial Live”.

For their 2003 live show, the group will be doing 14 shows in 7 different locales with the first show coming up on October 1st in Osaka. The tour is being billed as Save the Children SPEED Live 2003. It’s for a very worthwhile cause so if you’re in Japan during this time, you’re in luck (i.e., please don’t miss it).

Sunday, May 11, 2003

>> Kuninaka Ryoko CD Single Debut

I know I’m kind of late on this one, but Kuninaka Ryoko (Ryouko) has debuted as a singer with her first single having been released on April 25th.


The single is called “Ryukyu (Ryûkyû) Moon” and was used as the theme song for NHK’s “Churasan 2” — a drama in which Ryoko plays the role of Eri, the show’s heroine. Ryoko’s single is released by indies record label, Matrix Records (if you can find their website please leave me an email or a Yuntaku - nifee) with the music written by O-Pop star Miyagi Mamoru. The single contains two tracks “Ryukyu Moon” and “Tooku de…”, and is priced at Yen 1,050 (tax included).

>> DotW: Begin

Begin
Official URI: Amuse
Record Label URI: Imperial Records
Genre: O-pop
Current Member Line-up:
Higa, Eishô: Vocals, Sanshin
Shimabukuro, Masaru: Guitar, Chorus
Uechi, Hitoshi: Piano, Chorus


Begin no Shimauta/Omototakeo
Teichiku Entertainment, Inc./Imperial Records | TECN-20647 | Released on 7.21.2000
Track Listing:
01 Nada Sousou (Sanshin Version)
02 Kaze yo
03 Irayoi Tsukiyahama
04 Kariyushi no Yoru
05 Ganbare Bushi
06 Mukashi Kaisha Ima Kaisha
07 Nada Sousou (Sanshin Uchinâ-Guchi Version)


Begin no Shimauta/Omototakeo 2
Teichiku Entertainment, Inc./Imperial Records | TECN-20798 | Released on 7.3.2002
Track Listing:
01 Shimanchu nu Takara
02 Kunibun Ki no Hana
03 Koi no Shima Hatomajima
04 Kankara Sanshin Umushirumun
05 Yambaru ya
06 Ojî Jiman no Orion Bîru [Beer]
07 Obâ Jiman no Bakudan Nabe
08 Kankara Sanshin Umushirumun (Sanshin Renshûyô)

Friday, May 09, 2003

>> Site News 050903

I’ll have a lot of new info regarding the J-Pop scene (and some other goodies) up by Sunday, Mother’s Day. Right now, I’m kinda in need of some time away from my Mac, and a much needed stretch. Be sure to check out my other projects in the meantime.

i-O Blog: Internet-Okinawa.com’s team weblog.

Chitose Hajime Fan Blog: one of my fanblogs.

A Parsha cluB Fan Blog: another fanblog of mine.

Wednesday, May 07, 2003

>> Chitose Hajime Fanblog

Attack of the fanblogs? You betcha. ;)

I’ve completed part two of my fanblog phase. Now, it’s time to sleep. (-_-)zzz.

Link: Chitose Hajime Fanblog.

Tuesday, May 06, 2003

>> A Parsha cluB fanblog

My Parsha cluB fan site blog is finally up! I don’t have much content up yet but it’s a start. :)

Link: A Parsha cluB Fanblog.

>> Folder/Folder 5 to release two CD box sets

One of the last groups to come over from Okinawa’s famous actors school is the J-Pop group Folder/Folder 5. The group began as Folder about six years ago with the release of their debut album “The Earth”. The group’s lineup featured a boy lead singer and six background dancers (all but one of them was a boy).

Daichi, the lead singer, was the first to branch out into a solo career with limited success. Next came Folder 5, the group sans to the two little gentlemen (the other was Joe — nifee to J-Fan for their foresight). This group (of Akina, Arisa, Hikari, Moe, & Natsu) proved to be a greater success than Daichi’s solo attempt and the group has gone on to hold the torch for the past six years.

Of course, what’s another group without another member branching out into a solo career (see my earlier entry on ISSA from DA PUMP)? Folder 5 cutey AKINA has gone to test the waters of the finicky J-Pop listening community.

There’s no doubt that she certainly is one of the cutest of the five, but judging by the lackluster acceptance of their sempai, SPEED, and their attempt at solo careers, the road to fame is long and winding.

So, after six years, two solo career starts, a name change (adding the “5” after “Folder” does count, doesn’t it?), and a member change drop, they have two CD box sets (“Folder/Folder 5 Complete Box” & “Folder/Folder 5 Single Collection”) that will be released concurrently on June 25, 2003.

The complete box spans the groups’ six years in the J-Pop scene and will contain a mix of 8 CD/DVD and will retail for Yen 15,000. The CDs included are: “The Earth (Complete Version)”, “7 Soul (Complete Version)”, “Hyper Groove 1 (Complete Version)”, “Five Girls (Complete Version)”, and “Hyper Groove Party”. The DVDs are: “Folder Clips”, “Hyper Groove Clips”, and “Hyper Groove Clips 2” (which was just released 2003.3.19). Also included are 80 trading cards. The single collection will sell for a modest Yen 3,000 and will contain 15 tracks from the “tensai shonen” period to the current “shojo yunitto” period.

>> Say Hi to HY

I’ve posted an entry over at the main site’s i-O Blog about the J-Pop group HY. This group from Yonashiro (Okinawa) is making a big splash in the J-Pop scene with two indies released albums.

>> Okinawa Music Jukebox

i-O team member and logo designer, Travis Morgan, has an Okinawa Music Jukebox up on his weblog site. If you’re interested in listening to some cool O-Pop (Okinawan Pop Music) tunes, you need look no further. His weblog also has a lot of interesting entries on Okinawa.

Sunday, May 04, 2003

>> DotW: Miyagi, Mamoru

Miyagi, Mamoru (? ∼ )
Date of Birth: ?
Place of Birth: Yaeyama
Official URI: n/a
Record Label URI: Keyna Studio
Genre: O-pop

Miyagi Mamoru with JAIMAN: Yaima
Kokusai Boueki | KOKU3-0001 | Released in 1998
Track Listing:
01 Tîda
02 Chura Miyarabi
03 Yaima
04 Basukinayo
05 Umanchu Majiri
06 Nachikasanu
07 Paradaisu [Paradise]
08 Mîhaiyû (Arigatô)
09 Yaima (Karaoke Version) *
* hidden track

“Shimauta no Kokoro”
Kokusai Boueki | KOKU3-0019 | Released in 1999
Track Listing:
01 Shimauta no Kokoro
02 Omoiyari
03 Panari
04 Inori
05 Jikanseidayo Uchihoudai
06 Yawarakana Munede
07 Matsuri Kachâshî
08 Awamori Shinchû
09 Yaima (Guitar Version)
10 Eisâ

>> Q and A from Friday’s yuntaku

[note: the Q & A for this entry are from my recent yuntaku at Hawaii’s Plantation Village.]

After allowing myself some time to think about which questions to post to this weblog, I’ve decided on the music-related ones of which I’m most familiar with. I’ll be more than happy to answer any other questions you may have so feel free to email me.

Q: What instruments are in an Okinawan ensemble?

A: For a koten ongaku (classical music) ensemble, a “full” cast would consist of at least one of each of these instruments:

Sanshin (banjo): The most essential instrument of Okinawan music. Called shamisen in Japanese, it has three strings or chiru (the word ‘sanshin’ means ‘3 strings’), and a body or chîga made from python skin.
Kutû (zither): This instrument called koto in Japanese, has thirteen strings and is the largest of the ensemble.
Têku (drum): This instrument is actually a pair of drums, called taiko in Japanese, with a large one placed vertically and a smaller one placed horizontally.
Kûchô (fiddle): This is basically a “mini-me” version of the sanshin although it may have an added fourth or fifth string to it. When played with the ensemble, the instrument (called kokyû in Japanese) in most cases will follow the main melody which is being sung by the uta-sanshin (voice or song with sanshin) player.
Fansô (bamboo flute): Called hanshou in Japanese, like the kûchô this instrument in most cases will follow the main melody that’s being sung by the uta-sanshin player.

In minyou, or folk music, it’s possible to have the above instruments as well as Western instruments like a violin, piano, or a guitar. For the most part, minyou is kept acoustic with the norm being a combo of sanshin and têku.

Q: What’s the difference between the Okinawan sanshin and the Japanese shamisen?

A: The Okinawan sanshin is the origin of the Japanese shamisen. The sanshin we see today is actually a modified version of the original instrument (called sanxian) which arrived in Okinawa from China in the 14th century. The major differences between the sanshin and the shamisen are:

The sanshin body is covered with snakeskin and is circular in shape, while the shamisen body is covered with cat skin and is rectangular in shape. The sanshin is smaller in length than the shamisen. The plectrum, or bachi, used for the sanshin resembles a comma-shape while the one used for the shamisen is shaped like a rice paddle.

To be continued…

Friday, May 02, 2003

>> Visitor from Hawaii’s Plantation Village?

If you’re a visitor to the site who was part of today’s yuntaku (talk story) with me, haisai (hello)! I had a lot of fun today (although I was quite nervous) and I thank you for your gracious hospitality. The spirit of aloha is definitely alive at Hawaii’s Plantation Village.

As promised, I’ll have some of the questions (with answers) posted on my pop site by Sunday at the latest. Once again, thank you for visiting and keep in touch with me by email or by leaving a comment (called “Yuntaku”) on this entry. Nifee (thanks)!

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