Japan is not monolithic. I have a friend from Aomori who’s lived in Kumamoto for 20 years but still feels like a “gaijin” here. But as usual with most countries, it’s the extremes that are antipodal. In Japan’s case, the most glaring are the Ainu in Hokkaido and the Okinawans.
This makes the Daichi Miura’s performance of a song the Emperor wrote as a poem and the Empress set to music all the more impressing. Called “Utagoe no Hibiki” (perhaps “Reverberation of Your Song”), it might be better named “Island in my Heart” - that is, something one never forgets. Watch his eyes. He displays complete respect - even signs of gratitude - but he holds his ground. It was a startling performance: To take the Emperor’s words and the Empress’ music and turn it into an Okinawan ballad. - William
