Japanese rapper 'holds hands' with indigenous Taiwan groupーNHK WORLD-JAPAN NEWS

Key Concepts

• Local Culture Preservation: The central theme revolves around preserving and celebrating local cultures, specifically indigenous traditions, through music.
• Indigenous Hip-Hop: The video focuses on the collaboration between Mr. of Japanese hip-hop group and an indigenous hip-hop trio (Cortos).
• Identity & Representation: The importance of artists rapping about their identity and hometowns to connect with their roots.
• Spiritual Connection to Land: The desire to live in harmony with and protect the land one is from.
• Overcoming Conflict: The idea that understanding one's true self allows for overcoming conflict and hardship.

Collaboration with Indigenous Hip-Hop Trio Cortos

Mr. of the Japanese hip-hop group undertook a project dedicated to highlighting local cultures facing the risk of disappearing, and his latest endeavor led him to collaborate with the indigenous hip-hop trio, Cortos. The location is specifically identified as being the hometown of Cortos, a place rich in history and tradition. The video mentions “har thanks” and “indousrecor” – likely references to local entities or records connected to the area and Cortos’ work. The artist was born and raised there (indicated by “000 生まれ育”).

The Essence of Local Identity in Music

The core argument presented is that artists should embrace and express their identity through their music, particularly by rapping about their hometowns. The video contrasts this with the idea of “trying to look cool in the city” (都会でかっこつける), suggesting a superficiality that lacks genuine connection. Mr. observes that Cortos already embodies this principle, rapping about their identity and experiences. He expresses a belief that creating something with genuine feeling (“気持ちで何かを作れるんじゃないかな”) is crucial. This is presented as a challenge (“これが難しいわ”), implying the difficulty of authentic artistic expression.

Connection to the Land and Way of Life

Jetk, a member of the group (or someone involved in the project), articulates a desire to live while protecting the land they come from (“自分たのこの土地にある守りながら生きたいんじゃないかなと思っ”). This highlights a spiritual connection to the land and a commitment to its preservation. The video shows scenes of local life, including people drinking and celebrating (“一宮とチアロードラッシュラッシュみんな飲んで頑張る”), suggesting a vibrant community spirit. The phrase “ドポリタビートローをマナに踊り気づくこと” is particularly evocative, potentially referencing a traditional dance or ritual that leads to self-awareness.

Overcoming Hardship Through Self-Awareness

The lyrics and imagery suggest a theme of overcoming conflict and hardship. The line “人間としての本来を知ったからこそ乗り越えてんだ争いの早お願いし” translates to something akin to “because we knew our true selves as humans, we overcame the early struggles of conflict and pray for peace.” This implies that understanding one's fundamental humanity is key to resolving disputes and navigating challenges. The repeated musical segments (“[音楽]”) throughout the video likely underscore these emotional and thematic points.

Synthesis/Conclusion

The video showcases a powerful collaboration aimed at preserving indigenous culture through hip-hop. It emphasizes the importance of artists connecting with their roots, expressing their identity authentically, and maintaining a spiritual connection to their land. The underlying message is that self-awareness and a commitment to one's heritage are essential for overcoming adversity and fostering a sense of community. The project, as demonstrated by the collaboration with Cortos, serves as a model for how music can be used to celebrate and protect endangered cultural traditions.