Changes

The singing style in the Amami Islands features a vocal sound recognizably distinct from that of either Okinawan or "mainland" Japanese folk songs. In addition, the three-stringed [[sanshin]] is played in Amami with a thin pick made of bamboo, rather than the thicker ivory, horn, or wood claw-like plectrum used in Okinawa.

The singing style in the Amami Islands features a vocal sound recognizably distinct from that of either Okinawan or "mainland" Japanese folk songs. In addition, the three-stringed [[sanshin]] is played in Amami with a thin pick made of bamboo, rather than the thicker ivory, horn, or wood claw-like plectrum used in Okinawa.

In places like [[Tokunoshima]] and [[Okinoerabu-shima]], the Amami and Okinawan traditions meet, overlap, and blend.

In places like [[Tokunoshima]] and [[Okinoerabujima]], the Amami and Okinawan traditions meet, overlap, and blend.

Notable performers of Amami folk songs include Chitose Hajime.

Notable performers of Amami folk songs include Chitose Hajime.