Ayano Uema is an accomplised sanshin player, songwriter and one of the best and youngest singers of Okinawan traditional song. Born and raised in Okinawa, Uema’s powerful voice and strong presence have been impressing different audiences all over Japan, from Tokyo to Osaka, since her debut in 2006. Her first album, Negai Boshi, was released in 2006 when she was only 21 years old. Her second album, Majun, was released in 2009 and the third one, Uta-sha, was released in 2012. Uta-sha is considered her major debut and preceded a successful nationwide tour.