Churashima Navigator / Unrequited Love (12")

Misako Oshiro's debut song "Kataomoi" (Unrequited Love) has been covered and remixed by the members of Churashima Navigator, each pouring in their own sense of respect and gratitude.

"Kataomoi" is the 1962 debut song by Okinawan folk singer Misako Oshiro, who passed away in 2021. It was written and composed by her mentor, Sadashige China (father of Sadao China), and became a signature song for Oshiro. As an active performer until the very end, Oshiro cherished this song throughout her life and continued to nurture it. This work features her disciple, Kanako Horiuchi, carrying on the song. Leading with Horiuchi, the members of Churashima Navigator had deep ties to Oshiro during her lifetime, with SINKICHI and Nu-doh having previously remixed "Kataomoi" (1962 recording) in 2017. This release was produced as a testament to their gratitude and respect for Oshiro. The project began when Nu-doh heard Horiuchi sing "Kataomoi" at the "Misako Oshiro Memorial Concert" held in November 2024, prompting him to develop the idea, "I want to preserve Kanako's singing as it is now." Production started in November 2025, when the members of Churashima Navigator reunited for the first time in about six years for a live performance in Naha. A-1 is "Kataomoi" performed solely with Horiuchi's vocals and sanshin. One keenly feels that this is a difficult song; while it poignantly describes a love with nowhere to go, one must not pour in too much raw emotion, yet it requires a certain quality that lets the "crying" spirit seep through. Please listen closely to the emotional resonance embedded in Horiuchi's own style of "Kataomoi," cultivated through learning from her mentor and her own rigorous training. A-2 is a remix by Nu-doh & Harikuyamaku, featuring guest performances by MARINO (sax) and Keitaro Kanamine (bass). The heartbeat-like rhythm and the beautiful, session-style layering of sounds create 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 resonances and bird calls that create a comfortable atmosphere. It is also heartwarming to hear a brief, fleeting conversation between Oshiro and Horiuchi mid-track. This work makes sense of Nu-doh's statement that "the main premise was to ensure the vocals and sanshin could be heard clearly, even in the remixes." Through the expressions of a disciple continuing her mentor's vision and the remixes that conjure a new sound world, we invite you to enjoy the universal charm of the song "Kataomoi," which Misako Oshiro loved so dearly.
　　　　　　　　　　　　　　
(Text / Norie Okabe)

【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 yen + tax
Release Date：Wednesday, September 30, 2026

■ 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）