Sawayaka-ni

This is the 3rd single by Natsuko, an Okinawan singer and former member of Ne-ne's.
When composer/producer Akashi Hayata visited Iriomote Island in Okinawa in 2004, he was asked by the owner of the guesthouse "Sawayaka-So" where he was staying, and he created this song on the spot as the theme song for there.

The first verse of the song prays for the peace of mind of those who visit this island, and the second verse prays for the growth of the children who grow up on this island. And the third verse (added by singer Momoka Akashi, who visited the following year) is about the hope that the elderly people who have lived on the island will live long lives.

This song has been sung for many years by the Sawayaka Band, formed by the staff of the inn, and guests can listen to live music if the timing is right.
When Akashi conveyed this song to Natsuko, who has studied Yaeyama folk songs and has "Densabushi'" in her repertoire, she said she would love to sing it and decided to make it a single.
She hopes to spread this song throughout Japan and around the world.