【RELEASE INFO】Misako Oshiro’s debut song "Kataomoi" has been covered and remixed by each member of Churashima Navigator with feelings of respect and gratitude. The 12-inch single is set for release on 9/30.
Churashima Navigator members cover and remix Misako Oshiro's debut song "Kataomoi" with respect and gratitude. A 12-inch single is set for release on 9/30.
"Kataomoi" (Unrequited Love) is the 1962 debut song by Okinawan folk singer Misako Oshiro, who passed away in 2021.
Written and composed by her mentor Sadashige China (father of Sadao China), it became Oshiro’s signature song. Oshiro, who remained an active performer until the end, cherished this song and nurtured it throughout her life.
This work carries on that legacy, performed by her disciple Kanako Horiuchi. The members of Churashima Navigator, led by Horiuchi, shared a deep connection with Oshiro during her lifetime; notably, SINKICHI and Nu-doh previously remixed "Kataomoi" (recorded in 1962) in 2017.
This project was created as an expression of gratitude and respect toward Oshiro. It began when Nu-doh heard Horiuchi perform "Kataomoi" at a memorial concert for Misako Oshiro in November 2024, prompting him to capture "Kanako's singing voice as it is now."
Production commenced when the members of Churashima Navigator reunited for the first time in about six years at a concert in Naha in November 2025.
A-1 features Horiuchi performing "Kataomoi" with only voice and sanshin. While the song poignantly expresses the heartache of unrequited love, it is a notoriously difficult piece that requires balancing deep emotion without becoming overly sentimental, all while capturing a sense of sorrow. I hope you will take the time to listen to the emotional fluctuations dwelling in Horiuchi's rendition of "Kataomoi," which she has honed through her own discipline and lessons from her master.
A-2 is a remix by Nu-doh & Harikuyamaku, featuring guest performances by MARINO (sax) and Keitaro Kanamine (bass). The beat, pulsing like a heartbeat, combined with the beautiful, session-like layering of sounds, creates a profound landscape that feels like a trip to a world beyond the sea.
B-1 is a remix by SINKICHI based on the A-2 track, titled "White cloud Mix" in reference to Oshiro's song "Shirakumo-bushi." It is an ambient piece with exotic sound textures and the pleasant chirping of birds. It is also heartwarming to hear a brief snippet of conversation between Oshiro and Horiuchi during the track.
This release truly honors Nu-doh's statement that "the primary premise of the remix was to ensure the vocals and sanshin were heard clearly." Through this disciple's expression of her master's spirit and the fresh, reimagined soundscapes of the remixes, I hope you fully enjoy the universal appeal of "Kataomoi," a song beloved by Misako Oshiro.
（Text by Tokue Okabe）
■ Pre-orders now open
https://store.tuff-beats.com/products/tbv-0127
【Product Information】
Artist：Churashima Navigator
Title：Kataomoi
Label：Churashima Navigator / TUFF BEATS
Format：12-inch single
CatNo.：TBV-0127
Barcode：4580187182004
List Price：3,545 JPY + tax
Release Date：September 30, 2026 (Wed)
■ Tracklist：
Side A
1. Kataomoi (Kanako Horiuchi)
2. Kataomoi Island dub Mix
（Nu-doh & Harikuyamaku feat. Keitaro Kanamine (bass) / MARINO (sax)）
Side B
1. Kataomoi White cloud Mix (SINKICHI)
【Churashima Navigator Profile】
Churashima Navigator was formed in 2011 by SINKICHI (formerly of SOFT, AOA) and DJ Nu-doh (formerly of AUDIO SUTRA), following a session at the Okinawan bass music party "budryukyu." Later, Okinawan folk singer Kanako Horiuchi, Daibo Soga of CINEMA dub MONKS, and Harikuyamaku joined the group, establishing the current five-member lineup in 2013.
In 2017, they performed internationally, including a tour in Thailand and an appearance at an outdoor festival in Mongolia. In December of that year, they released the album "LIFE IS TREASURE."
In 2019, they released "LIFE IS TREASURE REMIX," which featured remixers such as IAN SIMMONDS, IORI, and J.A.K.A.M.
In September 2026, Churashima Navigator released a 12-inch single covering and remixing Misako Oshiro's masterpiece "Kataomoi" with respect and gratitude.
While the members are based in various parts of Japan, including Okinawa, Kyoto, and Hokkaido, they continue to be actively engaged in their creative work.