Apart from the usual J-POP and J-ROCK genres that people normally associate Japanese music with, there are a number of traditional, less mainstream styles that are real eye-openers. In particular, the song I’d like to write about today is part of the Shima-uta (島歌) genre.
Shima-uta originates from the Amami Islands in Southern Japan – the word ‘Shima’ 島 translates directly into ‘Island’, which also alludes to one’s communities within these islands, and one’s home. It is sung in recreational gatherings, almost like folk songs, but with a very distinctive singing style where deliberate trembling of the throat and falsetto are frequently employed.
For me, Shima-uta bears similarities to Enka (演歌), which is more traditional and prominent in the older generations, as well as Korea’s Trot (트로트). The frequent trembling of the throat is a common technique shared between all three singing styles.
I first came across ‘Summer Evening Sky’ watching Natsume Yujin-Cho (夏目友人帳), which goes to show how Shima-uta has infiltrated the mainstream world of J-music, with songs climbing up the ranks in pop charts. The lyrics in this song are beautiful, while Kousuke’s unique singing style, coupled with the simple instrumental arrangement, has a real calming and reflective effect on the listener.
Back in the University days, my accommodation hall was situated 20 minutes away from campus on foot. My exams used to always take place during the summer, and every journey I made to school before an exam would involve looping this song without fail. It’d rid me of my worries and stress, allowing me to absorb in the beautiful nature along the path to campus, bringing me immense peace.
Now, whenever I re-listen to this, I can still vividly picture myself walking under the warm sunshine, feeling the breezy London chill, with trees standing tall above me, leaves shining on my face…
My musical tastebuds. 