Okinawa is an island and southernmost and westernmost prefecture of Japan. Mion (meaning 'beautiful sound' in Japanese) is a traditional Okinawan musician, singing and playing Sanshin (Okinawan musical instrument).
Mion grew up being surrounded by music. She was mostly into rock music and enjoyed playing a drum. She is a big fan of an American singer Janis Joplin. For Mion, an idea of pursing a career in the music industry came naturally.
When Mion was at her junior high school, she saw an elder student perform Okinawan traditional dance. It was so mesmerizing and inspiring that she started learning the dance. With her mother's advice, Mion started to learn playing Sanshin when she was in high school.
"About Sanshin, I didn't know much about it (before she started). But my mother recommended me to learn it, saying it's important to learn Okinawan culture", Mion said.
"Once I started, I was really into it before I know it."
Mion will perform at the in Sydney this weekend from 7 pm. On the same day, will be held at the same venue from 10 am to 4 pm. Both events are part of Japanese-Australian-9-day-festival called .
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Okinawa Folk Music Band Ichimadin
Mion decided to stay in Okinawa after graduating high school and went to a local university to study Okinawan traditional music.
After WWII, Okinawa was under the rule of the US until 1972. This year marks the 50th anniversary of Okinawa's reversion to Japan.
In the audio, Mion shares her thoughts with us about the anniversary.
