When I went to Okinawa, Japan in November 2000 to undergo a course the first local song we were all taught is Shima Uta (= Island Song). It’s a beautiful song – one song and you’re hooked. I’d even say it’s on par with the greatest Japanese songs of all time – the classic Sukiyaki and Kanpai comes to mind.

It was written by Kazufumi Miyazawa of the group The Boom and was a big hit in Japan in either 1992 or 1993. Neither he nor any member of his band are from Okinawa, but he was inspired after visiting the island.

I went on to perform the song on live Japanese TV as part of a multinational group. Our lead singer was from the Philippines and the other performers included Indonesians, a Sri Lankan and at least one Thai. Haha… that was the first and last time I played music on live national TV. While in Japan, in all I was featured on the local papers 3 times and went on TV another time.

Back to the song.

Here’s a list of all versions of the song I could find, and which you’ll be able to listen to at the bottom:

1. by Rimi Natsukawa – she’s an Okinawan singer. IMHO this is the best ever version of the song, bettering The Boom’s original.
2. by The Boom – the original.
3. by Kazufumi Miyazawa – I believe this was recorded years after he released the original. Alternate lyrics and arrangement.
4. by “Beto Shiroma” [authenticity can't be verified] – if you have any info, pls provide.
5. A beautiful accapella version – I don’t know the original singers.
6. Rimi Natsukawa performs this live with a male singer with acoustic guitars – beautiful.
7. some Okinawan dude sings it folksy style
8. The Boom’s original (Minus One version)
9. by “Video Match” [authenticity can't be verified] – if you have any info, pls provide.
10. by Alfredo Casero – This Argentinian became famous outside his country in 2002 when he recorded this song: it was the first single from his album, Casaerius. It became a huge hit in Argentina, where it was chosen as the anthem for the Argentine football team playing at the 2002 World Cup.

If you have any more versions, please inform me. Thanks ;-)

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