NAHA, Japan -- Guessing the provenance of music and musicians can sometimes be surprisingly easy. The vocal delivery of Christy Moore or Mary Coughlan could come only from Ireland, while the spiraling, caravanserai-like guitar notations of Ali Farka Toure and Djelimady Tounkara unequivocally proclaim Mali as their origin.
Arts
Okinawa's music finds strength in its roots
Japanese island melodies reflect a culture deeply tied to place
Recording artist Kanako Horiuchi, right, performs a lively set at Usagi, a music club and eatery on Ishigaki Island in Okinawa prefecture. (Photo by Stephen Mansfield)
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