Rimi Natsukawa, hailing from Ishigaki Island in Okinawa, Japan, is an enigmatic artist whose soulful voice has captivated audiences both domestically and internationally. Born on October 9, 1973, Natsukawa's music is deeply rooted in the traditional sounds of Okinawan folk music blended harmoniously with modern pop sensibilities. She gained widespread acclaim with her rendition of "Nada Sōsō," a moving ballad that resonated with many for its poignant storytelling and Natsukawa's emotive delivery. Her success built a bridge between Okinawan music and the J-pop scene, revitalizing interest in the region's culture.

Rimi Natsukawa continued to build her musical repertoire with a variety of singles and albums that showcase her versatility and deep connection to her heritage. Recent releases such as "Shunkashuto," "Kazemusubi," and "Akari" further exhibit her skillful melding of traditional instrumentation with contemporary music styles. Albums like "沖縄からの風 ～沖縄から生まれた名曲たち～" (Okinawa kara no kaze ~Okinawa kara umareta meikyokutachi~) celebrate Okinawan classics, while "マモリウタ" (Mamoriuta) highlights her ability to evoke the spirit of her island upbringing through her music. Natsukawa's artistry extends beyond the confines of genre, making her a true ambassador of Okinawan music and a cherished figure in the world of Japanese pop.

Genres

Okinawan Folk

Okinawan Pop

Ryukyu Ongaku

Related Artists

Chitose Hajime

BEGIN

Kousuke Atari

Ryoko Moriyama

Rinken Band

Minami Kizuki

Yanawaraba

THE BOOM

Iruka

Kiroro

Hibari Misora

Fuyumi Sakamoto

Latest Release

Uta, Uta, Uta

Rimi Natsukawa

Single - Released May 22, 2024