Profiles:

Ikue Asazaki:

Born in 1935 on Amami-Oshima Island. A practitioner (Utasha) of Amami Island songs, which have been passed down through the ages. She honed her innate talents since childhood and was hailed as a genius singer in her teens. She has performed overseas in venues such as New York's Carnegie Hall, Los Angeles, and Cuba, as well as in numerous prestigious stages in Japan, including a 10-year consecutive performance at the National Theater, spreading the beauty of Amami Island songs. She sings the theme song "Ahagari" for the long-running NHK BS Premium program "Shin Nihon Fudo-ki." While preserving the traditions underlying Amami Island songs, she expands the possibilities of these songs through collaborations with piano and various ethnic music genres, deepening the world of Amami Island songs. Her soul-stirring voice and profound resonance continue to touch many people across generations and races.

Website: www.asazakiikue.com

- OKI:

A musician/producer hailing from Asankara (Asahikawa) with Ainu blood, known for playing the traditional string instrument Tonkori. He has worked with artists such as Umeko Ando and MAREWREW, showcasing his skills as a producer. Since 2005, he has toured the world with his band OKI DUB AINU BAND, performing in Asia, America, and Europe, and appearing at major world music festivals like WOMAD. He has collaborated with Canadian Indigenous dancers, shadow puppet artists, and Okinawan folk singers like Misako Oshiro, showcasing his diverse range of activities.

Website: www.tonkori.com

- Rekpo:

A female vocal group from Asahikawa dedicated to reviving and transmitting the traditional Ainu song "Upopo" as their theme. They are also members of MAREWREW, which recently released the latest album mikemike nociw.

- Kapiw & Apappo:

A sister duo from Lake Akan and Ainu Kotan, singing Upopo. Since childhood, they have been conveying the charm of Ainu songs, mainly songs passed down from their hometown of Akan and their grandmother, incorporating Ainu musical instruments such as Mukkuri and Tonkori.

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