Okinawa Folk Music Band Ichimadin

"We would like the spirit of Okinawan music to spread in Australia and continue forever."

Ami Akimoto (L), Chiemi Shepherd (C), Junko Takahama (R) of Ichimadin Source: Alexander Ruspandy

"Ichimadin" means "forever" in Okinawan dialect. 

Melbourne-based Okinawa Folk Music Band, Ichimadin currently consists of 3 members, Chiemi Shepherd, Junko Takahama, Ami Akimoto. They are not originally from Okinawa, but fell in love with Okinawa's traditional music, its unique instruments and its culture. 

Last March, they invited young musicians from Okinawa and held a concert in Carlton, Melbourne. They have a concert scheduled at Japan Festival in Box Hill on 19th May.  

SBS interviewed what Okinawa music is, what are Sanshin and Sanba, why they started to create a band in Melbourne.

For more Japanese stories and articles, follow us on Facebook.