“Shimauta” – The Boom
With all the Okinawan events I have attended recently on Oahu and Maui, I decided to share one of my favorite songs I like to sing with my friends. I learned this song from my good friend Spencer while we were in college and we would hang out at GS Studio. Spencer and I learned some Japanese from college and working at Duty Fee Shoppers. I am not that good in the language but try to make do. This song is in the traditional Okinawan language. I sing the Japanese version. Someday I want to sing “Shimauta” in front of a large crowd like a rock star! I love the Okinawan culture, food, and especially their music. The music is so spiritual with deep meaning. I guess I’m an Okinawan at heart.
JON RIKI KARAMATSU 