Yasukatsu Oshima is a Japanese singer who represents the Yaeyama islands, which are the most south-western islands of Okinawa Prefecture (the south-west islands of Japan).

　One aspect of his career is as a "New Successor of Traditional Okinawan Songs" in which he delves deeply into Okinawan Shimauta (Shimauta: island songs) from the old times which he sings and hands on to others. Another side is as a "Creator of New Island Songs" in which he is very active in making and singing original songs, and also collaborating with various artists as well as providing songs for others. Both of these sides occur at the same time and he can now be said to be singing "his own island songs". He is continually trying to broaden his career by singing and playing sanshin (Sanshin: a traditional instrument handed down from generation to generation in Okinawa) in an original solo style.

　Yasukatsu Oshima was born in 1969 in Shiraho, Ishigaki Island, which is one of the Yaeyama islands to the south-west of Okinawa Prefecture. From a very young age he grew up surrounded by a family who loved songs and the sanshin.
　In 1988 he formed "Yuratiku Gumi" with friends from the local performing arts club at Yaeyama High School, and did public performances which included Yaeyama songs and dances and village plays.
　In 1989 he moved to Tokyo and then in 1993 began his career as a solo artist with the release of his first album "Nishikaji Haikaji" (Polystar PSCR-5066).　 Following this, he continued to play solo concerts around Japan, and with the release of each album toured with musicians from that album.
　After moving to Osaka in 1996, Yasukatsu Oshima & Orchesta Bore released an album the following year with the theme of immigrants, "Namadu Wakari ~Now, O Now, I Need Must Part " (Disc Akabana SKA-3001).
　In 1999 came the release of his self-produced album "Arinutou" (Victor Entertainment. Inc, VICG-60204). This was followed in 2000 by an album of all Yaeyama traditional songs entitled "Bagashima nu Uta ~ Songs of My Islands" (Victor Entertainment, Inc. VICG-60418).
　In 2002 many original songs were recorded with an ensemble band of musicians for the album "Shimajikan ~ Island Time" (Victor Entertainment, Inc. VICG-60505).
　Then in 2005, guest musicians including UA, Ayano Kinjo from Kiroro, saxophonist Akira Sakata, and the Irish band Altan appeared on "Shimameguri ~ Island Journey" (Victor Entertainment, Inc. VICL-61626).
　In 2007, his latest CD album, "Yasukatsu Oshima with Geoffrey Keezer" (Victor Entertainment, Inc. VICL-61953) was released. This album is a joint collaboration between Yasukatsu Oshima and Geoffrey Keezer, a pianist from the USA.
　As well as concerts in Japan, Yasukatsu Oshima played overseas. In 2001 he went to the UK, Belgium and Ireland. In 2003 he travelled to Brazil with Tomi Taira and others. In 2006 he played in five cities in the USA. In 2006 he played in five cities in the USA. In 2009 he played in four cities in India.
　Also, in 2006, he was in charge of the music for Sayuri Yoshinaga's spoken word CD "Daini Gakusho Okinawa Kara ―　Umigame to Shonen (written by Akiyuki Nosaka)" (Victor Entertainment, Inc. VICL-61974) and played concerts with her.

　Okinawa Prefecture is the most southern prefecture of Japan and comprises the Okinawa islands, Miyako islands, and Yaeyama islands. These islands are also called the Ryukyu Islands when they include the islands of Amami. In the 15th century, a unified kingdom was formed on Okinawa island. This Ryukyu Kingdom controlled all of the Ryukyu islands and also had a tributary relationship with China. This continued until 1879 when the Ryukyu Kingdom was abolished, but even as early as 1609 they had been invaded by the Satsuma Clan from Japan. In the Second World War, Okinawa was the only place in the whole of Japan where a battle was fought. After the war ended, the islands were occupied by the USA until 1972 when Okinawa was returned to Japan.
　Okinawa is partly tropical and partly semi-tropical, and has its own languages and culture which are different from mainland Japan. Each island still has its own unique language, culture, and an abundance of traditional songs.

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