:::::::::::::::::: Welcome to ¿QUE PASA? MAGAZINE :::::::::::::::::: SALSA IN OKINAWA

¿Que Pasa? in Okinawa

¿QUE PASA? MAGAZINE JAPAN

KACHIMBA 1551

We have received salsa CDs from a range of countries in the
West here at Que Pasa. Finally, we are so pleased to feature a band
from the East and cover all the corners of the world. Kachimba 1551
are a Salsa band from Japan. They talk to us about Okinawan Salsa
and what it is like to solely represent their country’s Salsa
in other parts of the world.

Interviewed by Georgina Nicoli

¿Que Pasa?: What does the name Kachimba 1551 stand for?

Kachimba: It means spring. We wish we could be the spring of your heart.

¿Que Pasa?: Introduce me to the members of your band.?

Kachimba: The bandmaster: Taro Oshiro
Timbales: Sakura
Trombone: Kike
Bass: Shu
Vocal: Shihoko
Piano: Rina
The original band is composed of 6 people. Sometimes, the number of people changes
depending on the gig.

¿Que Pasa?:: Your sound is unique. How would you describe your brand of Salsa?

Kachimba: We are the band of the spirits. We can give energy to all people.

¿Que Pasa?: What are your main musical influences?

Kachimba: Our musical influence comes from African music, and Southeast Asian music.
As a perspective on percussion, African music has so much of an impact. And Southeast
Asian music is an influence to us from my roots.

¿Que Pasa?: We have never received material from a Japanese Salsa band before here at
Que Pasa. The power of Salsa to cross boundaries never ceases to amaze us.
How big is the Salsa scene in Japan?

Kachimba: Actually, the number of dancers is increasing little by little but most of the salsa bands are in Tokyo. Furthermore, the numbers of musicians who play salsa are almost the same, so the salsa scene hasn’t made much progress recently. In fact, it is not easy to play salsa in terms of groove and the number of people..

¿Que Pasa?: How did you first discover Salsa & form Kachimba 1551?

Kachimba: When I was a student, I played the trumpet. At that time, my acquaintance introduced me to a salsa band. After that, they asked me to join the band. While I was in the band, I got hooked on the sound of the Conga. Since then, I studied dance and Conga by myself. I had the opportunity to form my own band after I visited Cuba and
went back to Okinawa from Hokkaido where

I was working for a while. On February in 1998, I formed my own band Kachimba1551.
The moment I met Salsa it made a strong impact, like lightning to me. My life was
totally changed.

¿Que Pasa?: You sing in Spanish and Japanese with such ease. The Japanese
language actually sounds quite at home with the Latin rhythm. Was this hard to achieve?

Kachimba:: We didn’t have a problem with language because we used to have a band member who is Japanese-Peruvian. I have learned the language, and simultaneously compose the lyrics of the song. I think that Okinawan language fits better with Salsa than Japanese. Basically, every language will be able to fit into the rhythm of Salsa if it’s possible to play with Claves.

¿Que Pasa?: What is Okinawan Salsa?

Kachimba:: The identity of the music made by Japanese and Okinawa people might be different because Okinawa used to be a different country, called Ryukyu. For example, the Japanese are good at imitating but they don’t have originality. We Okinawa people prefer adding the spice from Ryukyu traditional music, which has existed for a long time, to salsa. It means Okinawa people don’t have a fixed idea. We call that Champulu. . The cultu-re of Okinawa is rooted in treasuring the Soul. Personally, salsa is the most difficult and enjoyable of all the kinds of music. And Okinawan music has the most beautiful melody.Both of them can be called Champulu. It is possible to create the greatest music in the world if we combine the two spectacular types of music. Okinawan Salsa doesn’t have limitations. It is growing more and more.

¿Que Pasa?: You have gained success in Cuba touring and recording there many times.
Which other countries would you like to conquer?

Kachimba: We wish to go around Asia and Europe. The culture is similar. We especially hope to visit London. We have a good relationship with Victor Hugo. We have played music together for the second time in Okinawa. In the near future, we hope we can play our music in London.

¿Que Pasa?:: How does it feel to represent Japanese Salsa often on your own?

Kachimba: In Japan, there are not many bands as there are in Latin countries so we don’t mind. However, we want to act in Asia as a representative of Okinawa. Next Year, we are planning to go to London and want to carry on our tour. We also want everybody to listen to our style, which would have evolved even more. Okinawa has been historically.

That's all for now folks!

Love's from Okinawa to all Salsa Lovers around the World...!!

Taro Oshiro
Band leader

PS: For Kachimba CDs review please go to CD review page

(For further information on concerts or to order a CD, check out Kachimba’s web site on
www.kachimba1551.com

Kachimba Brief History in Spanish-

Tokio Salsa Scenen