During this time, known as the “golden age of Chuzan,” there was a tremendous development of Okinawan culture and crafts. This is also when the sanshin, a three stringed, snake skinned covered lute, became the heart and soul of all modern Okinawan folk music. The sanshin is derived from the Chinese sanxien, and arrived in Okinawa during this time period. Originally, the sanshin was only used by Ryukyu nobility. These nobles used it to play court music for visiting Chinese envoys. In 1609 though, the Ryukyu Islands were once again invaded. This time by Japan, who made the kingdom a colony of Japan. With the disbandment of the Okinawan government, the nobility were forced to pay their own way, and as many had become competent musicians, some moved to different areas of the islands to teach the local communities. Folk traditions were given a new lease on life and the songs of the Okinawan people were now given a sanshin accompaniment. On the outer islands, such as Yaeyama, formerly vocal only working songs, called Yunta and Jiraba were set to sanshin, as well as the oldest sacred songs of all, Aoyo. It was in this way that new original songs were composed, which gave rise to what's known today as shima uta or island songs.

The upbeat dance songs of the Okinawan people are known as katcharsee. Taiko drums, the big shima daiko and the hand held parlanque accompany the sanshin in these songs. Singers and dancers add to the rhythm with their castanets called sanbas. Okinawans love to sing and dance to the katcharsee, raising their arms and waving their hands wildly to the infectious rhythm. Shima Uta is very much alive on Okinawa today, and has become a part of everyday life for the Okinawan people. The following are some examples of Okinawan court music, shima uta, and the katcharsee.

Please listen to these songs and enjoy them, but do not reproduce them.