After graduating from high school in 1977, Satoru moved to Tokyo where
he spent 15 years as a musician. However, he felt a keen sense of cultural
crisis with his island home of Miyakojima. Traditional culture was dwindling.
In 1992 he returned to Miyakojima to help revitalise its culture.
After returning to Miyakojima, he released Thida no uta (Song of the Sun)
which is used as the theme song by the NHK programme ‘Minnano Uta’. He
also released the album Otori and Kaze no Ayagu (Song of the Wind), in
collaboration with Toshiki Kadomatsu. The track Kunnnu-Shoo from his album
Sketch of Myahk was featured in the compilation album Anywhere on this
Road produced by Charlie Gillet, the respected late British radio presenter
and author.
Since returning to Miyakojima, he has created over 70 singles/albums including recordings he has produced for several local artists. In 2012, to commemorate 20 years of his involvement with Miyakojima’s music, Satoru released a new album Myahk, containing songs for Miyakojima for the 21st century. This album features many outstanding musicians including Philippe Saisse, acclaimed Japanese pop singer/songwriter Nokko, as well as other well-known Okinawan artists. Grammy awarded sound engineer/ producer Hotoda Goh helped produce the album. The album dwells not only on the present it also evokes the past and foreshadows the future; the sound depicts the light that connects heaven and earth.
In addition to his attempts to create an innovative sound derived from Okinawan music, Satoru writes poetry in the ancient language of Miyakojima.
Satoru was instrumental in launching Miyakojima’s first recording studio/ satellite broadcasting studio, and a record label. In his work as a record and radio producer he focuses on promoting local Miyakojima musicians.
In 2002 he created the island’s first ‘Quicha Festival’ for the purpose
of perpetuating Miyakojima’s arts and traditions. He is director of this
festival.Satoru was awarded “11th Hometown Event Award” by the Japanese
government, “Vitalization of Island Encouragement Prize” by the Okinawa
prefecture and “Okinawa Cultural Association Award” by the Okinawa Cultural
Association. Satoru was appointed as the ‘Ambassador of Miyakojima’ a position
he continues to hold and which he regards as a particular honour for his
efforts to keep alive the local language and culture.
YOUTUBE
IKEMANU-SHOO Satoru Shimoji
The 3rd song of Album "Myahk" is to praise the Lord Ikemajima
and be Miyakojima’s traditional
Looking up urban sky by chance ...
I wonder that blue sea, white sand and nostalgic faces ...
If you read the translation side by side with original , the strong memory to long for the hometown make the listeners ‘s hearts move deeply. Like a ficus retusa that has stronger roots, Hang in there!
From 『TIME TUNNEL』(1999.1) ;The first album after having passed through the freezing period of 5 years
TOUGANI AYAGU Miyako folk song
"TOUGANI AYAGU"is the best of Miyako folk songs
UYAKENNAURE Satoru Shimoji
My wish being to have a heart like the rich nature of, and live for our island
Kanasya Satoru Shimoji
I wrote this song for my parents who bore me on this island. for my precious
hometown.Myakojima
Niiri Satoru Shimoji
The 15th Anniversary live of Miyako Islanders artist activities in Shinjuku,
Tokyo, 2007
