• 12inch


片思い

  • Cat No: TBV-0127
  • updated:2026-10-01

Format

12inch 3900 JPY

A new release from Churashima Navigator, formed by Nu-Doh—a key figure in Okinawa’s contemporary music scene—and SINKICHI, a former resident of Koza. Each member of Churashima Navigator has covered and remixed “Unrequited Love,” the 1962 debut song by Okinawan folk singer Misako Oshiro, with deep respect and gratitude. I was deeply moved by the depth of Okinawan folk music and by Kanako Horiuchi, and the unique worlds created by each of the two members of Churashima Navigator are also wonderful. (Saito)

“Unrequited Love” is the 1962 debut song by Okinawan folk singer Misako Oshiro, who passed away in 2021.
Written and composed by her mentor, Sadashige China (father of Sadao China), and dedicated to her, this song became Oshiro’s signature piece. Oshiro, who remained an active singer until the very end, continued to cherish and nurture this song throughout her career.
This album features her disciple, Kanako Horiuchi, carrying on the tradition by performing the song. Led by Horiuchi, the members of Churashima Navigator had close ties with Oshiro during her lifetime, and SINKICHI and Nu-doh are also collaborators who worked on a remix of “Unrequited Love” (recorded in 1962) in 2017.
This album was reportedly produced to express gratitude and respect for Oshiro. It all began when Nu-doh heard Horiuchi sing “Kataomoi” at the “Misako Oshiro Memorial Singing Event” held in November 2024 and began developing the idea, thinking, “I want to preserve Kanako’s singing as it is today.”
Production began in November 2025, when the members of Churashima Navigator reunited for a live performance in Naha—their first gathering in about six years.
Track A-1 is “Unrequited Love,” performed by Horiuchi with only the sanshin accompaniment. This song poignantly expresses a love with no place to go, and I keenly realize it is a challenging piece that requires not pouring in too much emotion haphazardly, yet still must allow a sense of “tears” to seep through. I hope you’ll take the time to listen closely to the emotional turmoil embodied in Horiuchi’s rendition of “Unrequited Love”—a style she has developed independently through her studies of her mentor’s songs and her own rigorous training.
A-2 is a remix by Nu-doh & Harikuyamaku, featuring guest appearances by MARINO (sax) and Keitaro Kanamine (bass). The beat, pulsing like a heartbeat, and the beautiful, improvisational layering of sounds create a profound landscape that feels like a journey to a world beyond the sea.
B-1 is a remix by SINKICHI based on the A-2 track, titled “White Cloud Mix” in reference to Oshiro’s original song “Shirakumo-bushi.” With its somewhat exotic sounds and bird calls, it has a soothing, ambient feel. It’s also heartwarming to catch a brief exchange between Oshiro and Horiuchi midway through the track.
This track makes Nu-doh’s statement—“The top priority, even in a remix, was to ensure the singing and the sanshin were clearly audible”—perfectly understandable. Through this remix—which showcases a disciple carrying on her master’s legacy and creates a new sonic world of interpretation—listeners can fully savor the universal charm of “Unrequited Love,” a song beloved by Misako Oshiro.

(Text by Tokue Okabe)

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