［Description］

The latest 12-inch release from OKI DUB AINU BAND, led by OKI, the player of the traditional Ainu string instrument called “Tonkori”, features the new song "Etonimah"!

The album Tonkori in the moonlight月明かりのトンコリ/ OKI (LP) released in January this year was covered by overseas media, drawing attention worldwide to OKI, the player of the Karafuto Ainu string instrument "Tonkori", who leads the OKI DUB AINU BAND. This latest 12-inch analog record includes "East of Kunashiri," a track from the album OKI DUB AINU BAND(2006, now out of print), which has been highly requested by fans. It brings back the live-like atmosphere with the current band members' performance. "Etonimah," recorded in June this year, showcases a new aspect of OKI DUB.

Also included is a new version of "‘Ankisma kaa ka" from the album UTARHYTHM (2016), featuring overdubbed vocals and horns. Multi-instrumentalist YOKAN and singers from the Ainu National Museum in Shiraoi also contributed to this track.
Experience the must-listen sound of OKI DUB, which continues to evolve by incorporating roots music from around the world such as reggae, dub, jazz, and world music, while inheriting the traditions and spirit of the Ainu in modern times. The jacket features an original painting by OKI.

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**"East of Kunashiri"**
Standing at the eastern end of Hokkaido, Kunashiri Island appears to pierce through the two peninsulas of Shiretoko and Nemuro.
Although the distance is only a few kilometers, there is no direct route from Japan to this island, as it is under Russian jurisdiction.

Why? Because Japan also claims sovereignty over the Southern Kuril Islands, including Kunashiri.
I had the opportunity to visit Kunashiri, and found it a place where it is difficult for ordinary people to travel.
Since it was not possible to travel directly from Japan, I first went to Korsakov on Sakhalin Island. I completed the visa procedures at the administration office of the Kuril District in Sakhalin's Korsakovo. Later, a column appeared in the newspaper stating that the passports of those who went to Kunashiri should be confiscated in Japan. Obtaining a Russian visa and going to the island would essentially mean acknowledging that the island belongs to Russia.

As an Ainu, I didn't know about such things. I only was going to the island where my ancestors once lived.
As night fell, the ship quietly set sail towards the calm summer sea, leaving Korsakov Port behind. As the ship sailed south, I could faintly see the lights of Hokkaido towns on the starboard side. Suddenly, I woke up and went out on deck to see the silhouette of Etorofu Island, a dual caldera volcano of Grandfather Mountain on Kunashiri Island, against the still dim night sky, with the fiery red dawn as a backdrop.

I felt that the Kuril Islands, where the gods of the Ainu who had lost their place in Hokkaido reside, had a distorted sense of time, and I felt eternity.
When I landed on, Kunashiri Island appeared to be wild. In the port of Hurukamap, several red and rusted sunken ships were stranded. The town hall had become a ruin from the tsunami caused by an earthquake a few years ago. Yet, the square in front of the town hall was bustling with many Russians.
I met a tall, sturdy fisherman. The fisherman said to me, "Isn't this something that belonged to your ancestors?" as he handed me a black obsidian arrowhead.

**"Etonimah"**

A song from the west coast of Etorofu, Karafuto. It seems to be a song sung when saying goodbye to a bear, which will be sent off in another two or three days. The song is a time machine. By singing, one can bring the past a little closer to oneself.

**"‘Ankisma kaa ka"**

A story (tuytah) left by the Karafuto (Sakhalin) Ainu, Asai Take-san.
Take-san became blind at a young age but left many stories as a storyteller for future generations.
This song was inspired by Take-san's story of Situ'us (skiing).
There was once an old woman who raised three daughters. She allowed them to practice skiing, and the daughters became skilled at it. When rumors of their skill reached three men, they came to visit.
The old woman said to the men, "If you can ski well, you can have my daughters..."
"'Ankisma kaa ka, kiitun kiitun,"
Grab the rope,
"Kiitun kiitun 'oorii nii suhtonke poka kema suye wa,"
Ski through the middle of the tall mountain,
"'Oran nii kiitaike poka kema suye wa,"
Ski to the top of the low mountain,
"Taskoro moysay cokokohko,"
But the rope broke and they fell down.
The Ainu National Museum singers from Shiraoi, who perform this song during the Iyomante (bear sending) ceremony in Shiraoi, contributed to this track.
The narration at the end of the song says, "aynu puri anake yaykurukata ciki rusuy" (Ainu culture wants to proceed by themselves without having to rely on others). "iteki ese nankonna" (Do not submit order or rights you have under any circumstances).

**About the Jacket:**
One of the Chishima Islands, Ushishir Island, is said to have been created by the Ainu god of thunder, Kannakamui. The Chishima Ainu are said to have made many sacred ropes (inau) and prayed to Kannakamui when facing a crisis.
Text by OKI