Folk Music of the Amami Islands, Japan

This disc presents the distinctive folk music of the Amami Archipelego in Japan. Amami dialects, folktales, and traditions, although recognizable to someone familiar with Japanese culture, reflect the islands’ historical separation. Folk Songs of the Amami Islands presents several individual vocal performances accompanied by the jyabisen, a three-stringed plucked lute. Along with songs recounting various folktales and customs, there are also lullabies and children’s songs sung unaccompanied by some performers.