V.A. - The Rough Guide To The Music Of Japan (2008) APE (image+.cue), lossless

Listeners expecting traditional wood flutes and koto drums may be surprised by the music offered up on The Rough Guide To The Music Of Japan. While strains of traditional sounds can be traced throughout these 18 selections, the Rough Guide mostly offers an enlightening look into the hybrid music of contemporary Japan. Synth-pop, rap, lounge, blues, and avant-garde elements are only a few of the ingredients thrown into the cultural blender heard in tracks by Yukihiro Goto, the An-Chang Project, Kawachiya Kikusuimaru, Koto Vortex, and Shizuko Kasagi. This fascinating compilation is recommended to anyone seeking an introduction, or an ear-turning update, to modern Japanese pop. AllMusic
Tracklist:
1 Michiko Suga– Ushibuka Haiya Bushi 2:45
2 Chanchiki– Yagaefu 4:10
3 Nami Makioka– Subayado Bushi 3:14
4 Takashi Hirayasu– Koza Renka 3:50
5 Oki Dub Ainu Band– East Of Kunashiri 7:21
6 Ryukyu Underground– Shinkaichi (Saru's Meditation Dub) 6:29
7 Seijin Noborikawa– Asadoya Yunta 3:24
8 Soul Flower Mononoke Summit– Ah Wakaranai 3:55
9 Hajime Ikoma– Kawachi No Ryu 4:08
10 Tadao Sawai– Futatsu No Hensokyoku Sakura Sakura 5:59
11 Kunaicho Gakubu– Hyojo Netori 1:43
12 Tendai Shomyo, Tatsuya Koumazaki & Pangea– Gobai 1:42
13 Kotsuru Tade– Hara No Tatsutokya 1:01
14 Takeharu Kunimoto & The Last Frontier– Appalchian Shamisen 3:35
15 Shizuko Kasagi– Tokyo Boogie Woogie 3:01
16 Harumi Miyako– Yuhizaka 5:41
17 Morio Agata– Tokyo Bushi 4:10
18 Shibusashirazu– Akkan 6:40

V.A. - The Rough Guide To Okinawa (2001) FLAC (tracks), lossless

One of the strangest volumes in the excellent Rough Guide series, this volume on Okinawa offers all the problems inherent in the island's evolving cultural heritage here in these grooves. Most island cultures are able to hold on to their indigenous styles long after mainland continents have fused sets of traditions with one another for the sake of cultural -- and often political -- harmony. Okinawa has, like most oceanic cultures, resisted heartily the integration of its music into any other -- especially that of Japan, which has done its best to stunt the growth of and eliminate the remaining traces of Okinawan culture, especially its music. In this music lie secrets of civilizations and cultural truths so profound they are able to move listeners to the core of their beings. One need only to listen to Chieko Iha & Four Sisters' "Shimajima Kaisha" to understand the profoundly regal and deeply nationalistic considerations in the music. Throughout the album, the older practitioners of the music (that is, those who remain -- the Four Sisters had to be coaxed into re-forming to re-record this song after more than 20 years apart) bring out the old songs and perform them in traditional sanshin voices with sanba castanets and tainko drums. But there are younger musicians both from Okinawa and Japan who interpret Okinawan music though modern means, by employing the old instruments and vocal styles along with synthesizers, drum machines, loud electric guitars, and trap kits, using R&B rhythms and rock postures and presenting a wide spectrum of sounds both quaint and moving -- yet also visceral, powerful, and even confrontational. This is a curious recording, not for the faint-hearted or for the cursed purists, because it asks more questions than it answers and it doesn't attempt to answer for anything. This is an album of ghosts and mutations that offers the entire world of Okinawan music for consideration, perusal, and astonishment for those who are brave enough to listen with an open mind. It's wondrous. (This comment is posted on Allmusic by Thom Jurek, follower of our Blog 'O Púbis da Rosa')
Tracklist:
1 Rinsho Kadekaru ft. Seijin Noborikawa – Koko Kuduchi 3:14
2 Chieko Iha & Four Sisters– Shimajima Kaisha 4:24
3 Takashi Hirayasu & Bob Brozman– Chon Chon Kijimuna 3:53
4 Shisars– Itta Anma Makaiga - Karabato 3:10
5 Misako Ohshiro– Uranami Bushi 3:55
6 Rinji Kadekaru– Jidai No Nagare 4:51
7 Sarabandge– Iwai Bushi 5:09
8 Misako Koja– Warabi Gami 5:07
9 Tetsuhiro Daiku– Koinaa Yunta 4:13
10 Akanars– Go-Go Chinbora 2:50
11 Rikki– Ikunnya Kana-Yoisura 6:03
12 Yatsukatsu Ohshima– Akai Ura 3:00
13 Ryukyu Underground– Tinsagu Nu Hana Dub 4:55
14 Donto– Jin Jin 1:52
15 The Boom– Tida Akara, Nami Kirara 5:06
16 Seijin Noborikawa– Naritai Bushi 3:32
17 Nenes– Umkaji 5:35
18 The Surf Champlers– Toshin Doi 5:42