Meet Our
Awesome Artists
Toshiyasu Shinzato
Collaborating Artist
I’ve been immersed in Okinawan music via the Okinawa Sanshin guitar for over a decade since 6th grade. My appreciation for folk music truly blossomed during high school when I started to sing at live music ventures.
Being a part of the music scene, I believe that to truly understand Okinawa, one should embrace Okinawan folk music, even though it remains unfamiliar to many. This lack of awareness may stem from a decline in Okinawan and Japanese folk music listeners, possibly reflecting a global trend of people growing distant from their local ethnic music.
Folk music, in my view, embodies the essence of a place and narrates its history. Music transcends language, resonating in the heart even when the lyrics are in a foreign language. I have a great faith in the immense potential of folk music in this regard.
While I may not be acquainted with folk music from other regions, my involvement in music fuels my curiosity, and I’m eager to learn more. From Okinawa, I aspire to contribute to sharing our music with the world, promoting awareness of Okinawan music and culture, which is why I joined this project.