The roots of Okinawan music are found in the words of prayers to god, or negaiguchi. In the far distant past, before the 11th century, Okinawan music was born from people's earnest hopes and prayers, which showed respect towards god in seeking divine protection.

People performed rites while praying for a good life, and the words of these prayers from the people to god became the poems of god, providing the basis of Okinawan music when set to melodies. Negaiguchi were the people's prayers to god asking for an abundant harvest, longevity, good health for all and the prosperity of generations to come.

Kanfuchi, which were handed down as god's word, became ritual poems and served as an intermediary to god, who brings happiness. The poems were gradually transformed into songs expressing the emotions of the people.

Among the roots of Okinawan music are the words of Mayunganashi in Kabira, on Ishigaki Island. Mayunganashi was a god who visited each house in the village on the night of a special occasion to ensure the well being of family members, good health for all and the prosperity of generations to come. The poems of god sprung from the earnest hopes of people who wished to receive blessings from god.

The adoption of the sanshin, a traditional Okinawan stringed instrument that was introduced from China, marked the birth of classical Ryukyuan music. Okinawan music was enriched by integrating the foreign culture that was being introduced through trade. The roots of Okinawan music are the poems of god and the melodies accompanying the sacred words.

The mainstream poems of god will continue to flow through our daily lives for time everlasting.