Ryukyu Ongaku

Ryukyu Ongaku is a traditional and contemporary music genre originating from the Ryukyu Islands, now known as Okinawa, Japan. Characterized by distinctively melodious tunes, the genre frequently incorporates the sanshin, a three-stringed lute, and other local instruments like the shimadaiko and koto. Its lyrical themes often revolve around the archipelago's nature, folklore, and the everyday life of its people. Influenced by a rich history of trade and cultural exchange, Ryukyu Ongaku also bears hints of Chinese, Southeast Asian, and even American musical elements. Contemporary artists like BEGIN and Rimi Natsukawa have modernized the genre, blending traditional sounds with pop, folk, and other musical styles, thereby preserving the unique musical heritage while keeping it accessible to a broader audience.

Latest Ryukyu Ongaku Release
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ビギンの盆マルシャ
Album - 10 Tracks - Released October 2, 2024
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BEGIN
Rimi Natsukawa
THE BOOM
Kousuke Atari
Chitose Hajime
Minami Kizuki

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  1. October 2, 2024
  2. August 14
  3. August 2
  4. August 2
  5. May 22
  6. January 24
  7. December 13, 2023
  8. November 29
  9. November 1
  10. September 20
  11. September 20
  12. September 8
  13. July 19
  14. November 16, 2022
  15. July 6
  16. July 6
  17. June 22
  18. June 8
  19. June 8
  20. May 11
  21. May 4
  22. April 13
  23. February 16
  24. February 2
  25. December 8, 2021
  26. November 3
  27. October 6
  28. September 8
  29. March 3
  30. February 3
  31. January 1
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    黄昏
    1 tracks
  32. December 30, 2020
  33. December 9
  34. December 9
  35. December 2
  36. October 28
  37. October 9
  38. August 19
  39. December 18, 2019
  40. November 27