Retrace Project

‘Retrace.’ This endeavor aims to spotlight musicians and sound professionals with ties to the Yaeyama Islands.
This performance holds dual significance. It not only celebrates music but also aids aspiring music professionals. All ticket sales from this event will fund scholarships for budding musicians.

The Yaeyama Islands, nestled in the southern part of Japan, comprise over ten distinctive islands.
The surrounding marine setting has bestowed each island with a unique blend of history, culture, religion, and lifestyle. Yet, the islands maintain a symbiotic connection with each other, the broader Japanese landscape, and the international community. Within this rich tapestry, Retrace shines a light on the integral role of “music/sound” in the area’s cultural mosaic. Prominent within Yaeyama culture are its folklore singers. Yet, the spotlight often illuminates the music and traditions, leaving individual histories and thoughts in the shadows.

Retrace aims to change this narrative by delving deep into the lives and minds of these individuals, unravelling untold stories through comprehensive interviews and performances.
The goal is to challenge and reshape conventional perceptions of Yaeyama’s history and customs.