Churashima Navigator - kataomoi - Japan Vinyl 12inch Record

Credits:

Churashima Navigator

Description:

Each member of ChurashimaNavigator has covered and remixed Misako Oshiro’s debut song, “Unrequited Love,” with deep respect and gratitude. “Unrequited Love” is the 1962 debut song by Okinawan folk singer Misako Oshiro, who passed away in 2021. Written and composed by her mentor, Sadashige China (the father of Sadao China), the song was dedicated to her and became her signature piece. Oshiro, who remained an active singer until the very end, continued to cherish and nurture this song throughout her career. This album features her disciple, Kanako Horiuchi, carrying on the legacy by performing the song. Led by Horiuchi, the members of Churashima Navigator had close ties with Oshiro during her lifetime, and SINKICHI and Nu-doh are also collaborators who worked on a remix of “Unrequited Love” (recorded in 1962) in 2017. This album was produced as an expression of gratitude and respect for Oshiro. It all began when Nu-doh heard Horiuchi sing “Kataomoi” at the “Misako Oshiro Memorial Song Festival” held in November 2024 and started developing the concept, thinking, “I want to preserve Kanako’s singing as it is today.” Production began in November 2025, when the members of Churashima Navigator reunited for a live performance in Naha—their first gathering in about six years. Track A-1 is “Kataomoi,” performed by Horiuchi with only her voice and sanshin. While this song poignantly expresses a love with no place to go, I keenly realize it is a challenging piece that requires not pouring in too much emotion blindly, yet still needs to subtly convey a sense of “tears.” I hope you’ll take the time to truly listen to the emotional turmoil embodied in Horiuchi’s unique interpretation of “Unrequited Love”—a style she has honed through her own practice, drawing from her mentor’s songs. A-2 features a remix by Nu-doh & Harikuyamaku, with guest appearances by MARINO (sax) and Keitaro Kanamine (bass). The beat, pulsing like a heartbeat, combined with the beautiful, improvisational layering of sounds, transports you to a profound landscape that feels like a journey to a world beyond the sea. B-1 is a remix by SINKICHI based on the A-2 track, titled “Whitecloud Mix” in reference to Ōshiro’s signature song “Shirakumo-bushi.” With its somewhat exotic soundscapes and bird calls, it creates a soothing ambient atmosphere. It’s also heartwarming to hear a brief exchange between Oshiro and Horiuchi partway through. This track makes Nu-doh’s statement—“The top priority, even in a remix, was to ensure the sanshin and vocals were clearly heard”—perfectly understandable. Through this remix—which showcases a disciple carrying on her master’s legacy and creates a new sonic world of interpretation—listeners can fully savor the universal charm of “Unrequited Love,” a song beloved by Misako Oshiro. (Text by Tokue Okabe)