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Haisai Ojisan – Hey Old Man!

The story behind the 1970s Okinawan pop hit Haisai Ojisan or ‘Hey Old Man’ which was a massive hit in Japan for Shoukichi Kina

Haisai Ojisan, or ‘Hey old man!’ was released in 1972, by Shoukichi Kina, a musician who grew up under American military occupation on the pacific Island of Okinawa, scene of one of the bloodiest battles of WW2. Kina wrote this song when he was just thirteen years-old and still performs it for adoring audiences today. Simon Zagorski-Thomas talks to researcher and musician David Hughes, about the cultural, political and musical story that underscores this catchy pop hit.

Produced by Rami Tzabar for BBC World Service.

Image: Record label artwork, BBC

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9 minutes

Last on

Mon 25 Mar 201904:50GMT
BBC World Service South Asia

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  • Sat 23 Mar 201905:50GMT
    BBC World Service except East and Southern Africa & South Asia
  • Sun 24 Mar 201915:50GMT
    BBC World Service East and Southern Africa
  • Sun 24 Mar 201922:50GMT
    BBC World Service Online, Americas and the Caribbean, UK DAB/Freeview, News Internet & Europe and the Middle East only
  • Mon 25 Mar 201904:50GMT
    BBC World Service South Asia