Songs from the Edge of Japan: Music-making in Yoeyama and Okinawa – Matt Gillan
Gillan uses interviews, articles from the media and commercial music analysis to support his own experiences as an Okinawan music performer, in this history of the popularity of Yoeyaman music in Japan. The first chapter sets the scene in travel writing format, mapping out the islands in the Okinawan prefecture, before introducing the music which is close to his heart. He explores the roots and emotion of the music, subtly referencing his impressive collection of records from the 1970s to the 1990s and beyond, while also taking influence from local festivals and gatherings.
