People have been living on Iriomote Island for more than 4000 years. Our oldest ancestors came to Iriomote from southeast Asia by sea. They created tools from shako shells (giant clams). Spreading the Kaifu Culture. The Kaifu Culture spread to Ishigaki Island and as far north as Miyako Island.

For 1500 years after joining the Ryuku Kingdom, the islands of Yaeyama acquired a variety of culture from the north, such as the Ryuku Culture, Yamato Culture and the Nanban Culture. My ancestors, that lived in Iriomote Island, handed down the knowledge of reaping the bounty of nature that is useful even now. This song is a prayer that is made before the gifts of nature receiving to thank the gods for the blessing of having it. The song represents prayer, gratitude and happiness for the gods' blessings.

The first time I visited Iriomote Island was when Mr. and Mrs. Ishigaki invited me several years ago to come see the Shiri Matsuri (Festival). During the festival, the people of the village invite the god of the ocean to make an offering, which consists of a feast and entertainment. The villagers celebrate the new year and pray for happiness. It resembles the beliefs I encountered in Bali and the celebrations of the Native American Indians that I am strongly drawn to. It is not a system of a nation, but a system of those who live together in harmony with the balance of nature. From the singing and dancing on the beach, the feast and the costumes of the festival, I could feel their faith and their effort to preserve their culture. I also remember the night before the festival when I was at the community center. In the circle of the people practicing their dance, there was a little girl dancing among the adults. Her actions and gestures were just like the adults. I felt that, through the actions and gestures of traditional dance and music, the ancestors and the next generation are connected. I visited several times after that. and from the island stories I heard from Kinsei and the energy of Iriomote Island, I was able to collaborate to make this album. I pray that this "seed of sound" will take root, flower and bear fruit.