Situated as the gateway to the Japanese archipelago from the South China Sea, Japan's southernmost prefecture of Okinawa is one of the country's most popular tourist destinations. Until the 19th century, it was an independent island chain known as the Ryukyu Kingdom. Then during WWⅡ, Okinawa was the location of the first ground battle in Japan. Countless civilians died, both young and old. The former Kingdom's Shuri Castle was also burned down. It was only in 1992 that it was restored to its former glory. In its long and turbulent history, Okinawa's songs never ceased to offer hope and support. Artists symbolizing Okinawan folk music have gathered at Shuri Castle, now a World Heritage Site, to perform a series of songs celebrating the islands and their culture.
