『애창가집(愛唱歌集)』을 통해 본 오키나와의 노래문화와 노래운동

Abstract

This study will look at Okinawa’s lyrical culture and the cultural identity of the Okinawans who gave birth to these verses through the Collection of Popular Odes published by the Okinawa Teachers Association. This 1960 work has a history of being banned by the Act for Publication Approvals under the US military government. The fervent backlash by the Association had the ban slighted adjusted to a partial approval with the condition that the songs are not suitable for children, but the disapproval remained rooted. The two-time published Collection of Popular Odes is noteworthy not only in such context, but also as it was an outcome of a conscious effort to revamp the society by putting forth a new musical culture. In other words, the Collection is the substance of the ‘new’ kind of music these people aspired to; and the selection and publication itself is a significant action taken and a move toward solidarity. This study will also take due note of the introduction of two Korean folk songs - Arirang and Doraji - in the Familiar Odes chapter. The titles are written in katakana, and have Japanese translations of the lyrics. These two verses are testament to the Korean folk songs that traveled to the neighboring Archipelago during the colonial times and the fact that there were Joseon people who remained in Okinawa even after Korean independence in 1945. In particular, Arirang is well worth noting as it brings together solidarity between the two people that colonialism directly touched the lives of, and a sense of cultural activism. Such forms of solidarity is also in line with the objectives of the Collection of Popular Odes and the cause to promote lyrics for more grounded songs that are actually sung by people going about their daily lives. This study will review the Okinawa movement that is combined with various practical areas of our society via the Collection of Popular Odes, and will seek to discover points where this comes together with community culture. This will allow us to appreciate how music functions as a conduit of communication between community members and to share views for greater solidarity.