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Haisai Ojisan – Hey Old Man!

The story behind the 1970s Okinawan pop hit Haisai Ojisan or ‘Hey Old Man’ which was a massive hit in Japan for Shoukichi Kina

Haisai Ojisan, or ‘Hey old man!’ was released in 1972, by Shoukichi Kina, a musician who grew up under American military occupation on the pacific Island of Okinawa, scene of one of the bloodiest battles of WW2. Kina wrote this song when he was just thirteen years-old and still performs it for adoring audiences today. Simon Zagorski-Thomas talks to researcher and musician David Hughes, about the cultural, political and musical story that underscores this catchy pop hit.

Produced by Rami Tzabar for ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ World Service.

Image: Record label artwork, ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳

Available now

9 minutes

Last on

Mon 25 Mar 2019 04:50GMT

Broadcasts

  • Sat 23 Mar 2019 05:50GMT
  • Sun 24 Mar 2019 15:50GMT
  • Sun 24 Mar 2019 22:50GMT
  • Mon 25 Mar 2019 04:50GMT