Okinawa Folk Music Band Ichimadin

Ami Akimoto (L), Chiemi Shepherd (C), Junko Takahama (R) of Ichimadin

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

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


"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.

Share