In a remarkable celebration of culture and friendship, the 2023 Okinawa Chinese Music Festival took place in Okinawa, Japan. This first-of-its-kind festival featured an impressive array of performances, ranging from traditional Okinawan dances to the mesmerizing Sichuan Opera face-changing, all with the aim of strengthening the deep-rooted ties and cultural exchanges between Okinawa and China, spanning more than six centuries.
Chinese Ambassador to Japan, Wu Jianghao, highlighted the festival’s significance in bridging cultures. He emphasized the historical connections between Okinawa and China and expressed the hope that culture would serve as a bridge to bring people closer and foster mutual understanding.
One of the festival’s standout moments was the performance of the Okinawan folk song “Flowers” by renowned musician Shoukichi Kina. This song’s Chinese version gained fame in China after being covered by Taiwanese singer Wakin Chau in 1993. Kina attributed the song’s resonance in China to the incorporation of Okinawan elements and the shared ancestral connection between Okinawa and China. Kina has been invited to China multiple times for performances, solidifying lasting connections.
The festival also featured Japanese actress Yumiko Araki, known for her role in the 1979 TV series “Volleyball Girl,” which left a lasting impression on Chinese viewers. Araki performed the series’ theme song and collaborated with Chinese singer Xie Ming on the Japanese version of the Chinese pop song “When You Are Old.”
The festival’s musical exchanges were highlighted by pianists Lin Yujia and Shinji Fujiwara, who performed popular Chinese songs, emphasizing the rich history of musical exchanges between the two sides. Lin, who moved to Okinawa from China at a young age, aims to build a bridge of friendship between China and Okinawa through music. She shared heartwarming memories of her arrival in Okinawa as a child and the warm embrace of the local community.
This year marked the 45th anniversary of the Treaty of Peace and Friendship between China and Japan, and the 50th anniversary of the founding of the Okinawa Overseas Chinese Association of Japan. The occasion led to the organization of the largest-ever Chinese music festival in Okinawa, with tickets quickly selling out among local residents and Chinese expatriates.
The musical exchanges between China and the Ryukyu Islands, of which Okinawa is a part, have a long history dating back to the 14th century. Chinese musical culture, including traditional instruments and performance techniques, was transmitted to Ryukyu, fostering cultural connections that continue to thrive.
In summary, the 2023 Okinawa Chinese Music Festival celebrated cultural exchange, friendship, and the enduring connections between Okinawa and China, providing a platform for artists and musicians to bridge divides and showcase the rich tapestry of their shared heritage.
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