The magnetic field that supports Yaeyama's music
Okinawa Times Yaeyama Bureau Takahiro Taira
There is a live house in the downtown area of Misaki-cho, Ishigaki City where you can enjoy performances by both professional and amateur bands. “CITY JACK” is called “Japan’s southernmost live house”
For the past 20 years, he has been supporting music on the island. Enjoy light meals and drinks at the long wooden table and chairs. The representative, Hiroki Ishigaki (66), was involved in the Yaeyama Music Festival, which produced many musicians such as BEGIN, and is one of the people who built the island's music scene. While working behind the scenes, he also stands on stage himself.
"The number of island musicians who have made their professional debut is probably a Guinness record in terms of population. I'm proud of that," he said with a carefree smile.
There are regions around the world that have magnetic fields for music, such as Liverpool in England, where the Beatles were born, and Ishigaki is no less famous. There is always an environment that supports young artists, such as live houses and studios, and Mr. Ishigaki has been responsible for this.
He played the harmonica in kindergarten, and taught himself to play the guitar in middle school. In the 1970s, when folk songs such as Takuro Yoshida and Kaguyahime were at their peak, he formed a band with his friends and spent most of his time performing ``99 yen concerts,'' which were customary for amateurs at the time.
I moved to Tokyo before the age of 20 and joined a music office in Tokyo. In the late 1970s, he accompanied Pink Lady, who was popular at the time, on national tours as a staff member. He was instilled with the know-how of music live performances.
I also felt frustrated. It was not long after the return to Japan, and there was still deep-rooted discrimination against Okinawans in Tokyo. A sign saying ``No Ryukyuans allowed'' was posted at the bar, and his co-workers also ridiculed his hometown.
Nearly 10 years after moving to Tokyo, I was invited by a local senior to hold a music concert on Ishigaki Island, so I returned to my hometown. The Yaeyama Music Festival later became a gateway to success for young people. Advertising funds were collected from companies, and the stage was handmade. Although it was a struggle, I was happy to see the joy on the faces of my friends on the island.
At the same time, he opened ``CITY JACK'' in Shinkawa. The Yaeyama Music Festival also got off to a good start, and he won the festival as a guitarist. However, he soon became unwell and was forced to close his live house.
He started a delivery service office and also worked for a natural foods sales company. At the age of 50, he opened a live music venue again at the behest of his friends. We moved the location to Misaki Town and created an environment that is easy for professionals to use.
Even today, the two-way style of working behind the scenes to train young players and amateurs, and playing in front of them themselves remains unchanged.
Although he has numbness in his left hand as a result of a cerebral infarction he suffered five years ago, he still plays the guitar on stage when asked.
In recent years, the number of people immigrating to the island from both Japan and abroad has increased, and the demographics of customers and performers have changed. "It's having a positive influence on music. I want to stay active for the rest of my life so that I can be a place where people can interact," he said with a laugh.
Tuesday, September 12, 2023
Okinawa Times Yaeyama Branch
Takahiro Taira
Article URL
https://www.okinawatimes.co.jp/articles/amp/1221101