Teruya Rinken

Teruya Rinken is one of the Okinawa's most influential musicians. The leader of the Rinken Band, which he formed in 1977, Rinken has continued to pave his own musical path. Initially drawn to rock and jazz, he has consistently blended in Okinawan influences to create his unique sound. The grandson of a Ryukyuan classical musician and the son of a traditional Ryukyuan comedian, Rinken was raised on Okinawan music. Shortly after forming the Rinken Band, Rinken and the group became the studio band for producer Sadao China, best known for his work with Nenes. The band had its first breakthrough when their single "Arigato" was chosen as the soundtrack of a television commercial for Orion beer in 1985. Their debut album, Arigato, followed two years later. Rinken has increasingly turned his attention to film. He served as music director for Untamagiru in 1989 and Pineapple Tours in 1992 and directed Tink Tink in 1994. He subsequently produced a musical production, Dora, that was presented in Japan and France in 1996. The Rinken Band's song "Chura Jura" was used as the theme song of popular television series Ryukyu No Kaze in 1993. Their tune "You, You, You" was used as the ending theme of Chikushi Tetsuya's News 23. In April, 2000, Rinken formed a trio, Kalbisa, with Makoto Kubata of Sunday Sunsets and Haruomi Hosono of the Yellow Magic Orchestra. Their debut single "Roochoo Gumbo Y2K" was released shortly afterwards. ~ Craig Harris, All Music Guide