Banban Chacha
Originating in the Tokai region and formed in Koza, Okinawa.
A laid-back, living-room DJ unit that plays across borders, carrying an underground spirit inspired by their roots in real hip hop.
A laid-back, living-room DJ unit that plays across borders, carrying an underground spirit inspired by their roots in real hip hop.
Artist Interview
What are your musical roots?
The music that leapt out of foreign cartoons like Tom and Jerry and Silly Symphony, which I watched intently as a child. That's where I learned that sound can express emotion, and sometimes even become a voice.
Okinawa's Local Scene
What is happening in your local music scene right now?
There are so many creators here, and music events are thriving. Around us, a lot of people love Okinawan folk music and cherish the island's history, channeling that into their own sound. The Instagram account nightclubbing_okinawa, where DJ CHIHIRO posts daily updates on Okinawa's events, has real passion behind it too, and we're grateful it brings us audiences beyond our own reach.
What local spots would you recommend?
Listening Bar
しびれくらげ / Shibire Kurage— 沖縄 / Okinawa
If you say Koza (Okinawa), this is the place. The genre-agnostic sound flowing from the hi-fi system feels so good, and I'm always inspired by owner DOSHO's selections. Beyond the events hosted by a wide range of players, I love the quiet music talk on weekday nights too.
Record Shop
Coriandre— 中城村 / Nakagusuku
"A mysterious selection", honest prices, and a surreal touch that dares you to explore new genres.
Café
コマゲン / KOMAGEN— 今帰仁村 / Nakijin
A Thai restaurant. Beyond the delicious food, it's the best place to enjoy people and music at once, especially on VINYL FRIDAY, held on the last Friday of every month.
Label / Series
問答会 / Mondokai
A crew, not a label. Their ideas, output, and way of exhibiting are unlike anything anyone else could think of. My favorites are the VHS piece "Tune in to Channel M" and the fictional radio program "CHANNEL M 24h RADIO MIX." Every New Year they hold a fun event called "Shinshun Onban Taikyoku" (New Year Record Battle), where two people face off with records matched to a theme, using a handmade battle device with two tonearms mounted on a single turntable.
Which local DJs/artists would you recommend?
DJ PIN
pin.ishimineBecause it's real hip hop.
Showcases
Artists from Okinawa
At the age of 19, with nothing but a single bag, she moved to Koza, inspired by the allure of Okinawan folk songs. A voc
At the age of 19, with nothing but a single bag, she moved to Koza, inspired by the allure of Okinawan folk songs. A voc