This is a representative song of Ikehara Koichi, a pioneer of folk singers on Ishigaki Island. As dusk turned to night, on my way to a familiar shop, I would always hum this song in my head, imagining the drama of the night. I once asked Koichi, who passed away in 2023, when he was born. He answered silently, "When I was in my 30s."
The lyrics were written by Atsushi Ishigaki. Atsushi has already passed away. He formed the theater company "Shinkirokan" when he returned from Tokyo at the age of 25. In the five years from 1981 to 1985, they performed four plays, including "Kaitou Brix." According to his old friend Mitsuo Imamura (owner of the jazz bar "Sukeakuro"), "Memoratatate no Yoru" was born when Atsushi encouraged Koichi to write a song.
The song "Akemodoro no Umi" (Sea of Dawn) (lyrics by Ishigaki Atsushi, music by Hide Masaru) was featured in the play "Water Spring" performed in 1984. Atsushi may have imagined "Memoratatate no Yoru" as a song for a new play that he would perform someday.
This song begins with the phrase "Where are you from?" However, this question is not directed at others, but at one's own origins. The embers of a past love are there, blending into the scenery.
In their teens, Atsushi was into underground theater, and Koichi was into folk songs, and neither of them let go of what they loved, and lived purely the way they wanted to. The two men's personalities, which one might call "boy tribe," resonated with each other, and Koichi's powerful vocals and Atsushi's delicate descriptive powers using unique metaphors harmonized to create a song that touches the heart.
Words and Music by
Koichi Ikehara
Born in Okawa, Ishigaki City. Folk singer. Influenced by Takuro Yoshida, Yosui Inoue, Kyozo Nishioka, Masaji Otsuka, Itsuro Shimoda and others, he continued his musical activities in his hometown for over 40 years. 1956-2023 (died at age 67)Atsushi Ishigaki
Born in Tonoshiro, Ishigaki City. He was inspired by Kara Juro's Red Tent "Situation Theatre" and became active in his hometown as a playwright and director. 1950-1999 (died at age 49)
