Okinawan Music

Actually, there are many musical genres in Japan such as Kabuki, Okinawan, and pop music. Above these genres, today, I would like to explain about Okinawan music, which is one of the most traditional Japanese music genres.

There are many difference styles between Okinawan music and any other Japanese musical genres. The biggest difference is musical scale. 

Many people are familiar with the musical scales consisting of “DO, RE, MI, FA, SO, RA, SI, DO” sounds. 

On the other hand, the Okinawan music scale does not contain “RE” and “RA” sounds. It only consist of “DO, MI, FA, SO, SI, DO” sounds. 

 Furthermore, they created many instruments, which used Okinawan’s scale like “Shamisen”. 

It is a Japanese stringed instrument, was established at the close of 16th century. It has been used in the ethnical Okinawan festival, mainly when people are dancing the “Bon Odori”. 

Finally, there is a famous Okinawan musical group named BEGIN, who play music by using Shamisen.

                                Here is a video of BEGIN／Shamisen no Hana (三線の花)

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