Kankara Sanshin

A film depicts the aftermath of the Battle of Okinawa during the final stages of World War II, focusing on the devastation it caused to the island's population and landscape, leaving a lasting impact on the Okinawan people. Following the war, the island came under the control of the United States Military. Amid extreme scarcity of natural resources and a lack of basic goods, the Okinawans struggled daily for survival. Despite these hardships, they used song and dance to maintain morale. The war had destroyed most of the sanshin, a traditional Okinawan musical instrument, making them rare. The U.S. provided powdered milk and other supplies to prevent starvation. Using materials from these food cans, the Okinawans found a way to revive music for their community.