About Ayumi

Ayumi Sakuraba is an Okinawan folk singer and sanshin player based in Okinawa, originally from Yokohama, Japan.

Drawn to the tradition of uta-sanshin, the singing and sanshin music deeply rooted in Okinawan daily life, Ayumi moved to Okinawa in 2016 after first encountering Okinawan folk music in 2011. Living on the island and learning from local communities, she continues to share the spirit of Okinawa through her singing and sanshin performances.

Ayumi treasures the traditional folk songs that have been passed down through generations while also creating original music. In collaboration with visual artists, her original works have been transformed into animated visual pieces that expand the world of her music. Rooted in respect for tradition, she continues to explore new forms of expression that blend Okinawan heritage with a contemporary artistic perspective.

In addition to performing throughout Japan and abroad, she hosts her own radio program, introducing the beauty of Okinawan folk music and culture. She also values cultural exchange through music, believing that sharing songs can create opportunities for people from different backgrounds to connect, appreciate one another's cultures, and deepen mutual understanding.

Cherishing the stories held within every song and the landscapes of everyday life they reflect, Ayumi hopes her music offers moments of quiet connection and comfort to all who listen.