Yanawaraba is a distinctive musical duo hailing from Okinawa, Japan, comprising singers and sanshin players Yukino Hiyane and Yasuko Yoshida. Formed in 1999, the duo's name reflects their Okinawan roots, as "Yanawaraba" translates to "children of the Yanbaru," which is a region known for its lush forests in the northern part of Okinawa Island. Their music is deeply ingrained with the traditional sounds of the Ryukyu Islands, blended harmoniously with elements of folk and pop to create a sound that is both nostalgic and fresh. Yanawaraba's songs are often infused with the subtleties of island life, expressing themes of love, life, and the ebb and flow of time, exemplified by their "Meguriuta" series, which translates to "songs of the seasons" or "songs that go around."

Over the years, Yanawaraba has cultivated a loyal fan base with their mesmerizing harmonies and the gentle strum of the sanshin, a traditional Okinawan instrument similar to a banjo. The "Meguriuta" series serves as a testament to their prolific music career, with sequential releases capturing the passage of time and the nuances of the changing seasons through music. Tracks like "Aoi" and "Oyasumi" showcase the duo's ability to evoke deep emotion, with "Oyasumi" meaning "goodnight" in Japanese, often providing a soothing and contemplative close to their listeners' day. With each release, Yanawaraba continues to enchant audiences, preserving the rich cultural heritage of their origins while appealing to a modern audience seeking solace in the timeless beauty of island melodies.

Genres

Okinawan Folk

Okinawan Pop

Latest Release

Meguriuta ~ 8 ~

Yanawaraba

Album - 9 Tracks - Released January 8, 2021