{"id":10758,"date":"2021-04-22T01:57:48","date_gmt":"2021-04-22T01:57:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.min-on.org\/?p=10758"},"modified":"2022-11-18T08:50:06","modified_gmt":"2022-11-18T08:50:06","slug":"min-on-music-journey-no-33-micronesia","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.min-on.org\/zh-hant\/10758\/min-on-music-journey-no-33-micronesia\/","title":{"rendered":"Min-On Music Journey No. 33: The Federated States of Micronesia"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-large wp-image-10773\" src=\"https:\/\/www.min-on.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Micronesia1-1024x682.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Welcome to Min-On&#8217;s Music Journey! Today, the Min-On Concert Association and the Embassy of the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) in Japan welcome you to the FSM in the western Pacific Ocean.<\/p>\n<p>First, please listen to a message that Ambassador John Fritz has prepared.<!--more--><\/p>\n<p><strong>Welcome message to Japan from Ambassador John Fritz of the Embassy of the Federated States of Micronesia <\/strong><\/p>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1080\" height=\"608\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/SrXy-HC2Kdw?feature=oembed&#038;enablejsapi=1&#038;origin=https:\/\/www.min-on.org\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" allowfullscreen title=\"Greetings | Embassy of the Federated States of Micronesia in Japan | His Excellency Mr. John FRITZ\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>The FSM is approximately 900 kilometers from Guam and encompasses nearly all of the Caroline Islands, which span about 2,500 kilometers from east to west. The Federated States of Micronesia are a beautiful cluster of 607 small islands and atolls (ring-shaped coral reefs) grouped into four states: Yap, Chuuk, Pohnpei and Kosrae.<\/p>\n<p>The light blue of the FSM\u2019s flag symbolizes the Pacific Ocean and the four white stars represent its four states.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-large wp-image-10774\" src=\"https:\/\/www.min-on.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Micronesia2-1024x597.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"597\" \/><\/p>\n<p><strong>Palikir, FSM\u2019s<\/strong> <strong>political hub<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Kolonia, the largest city on Pohnpei Island, was once the capital of the FSM. In 1986, the government consolidated all government offices into a central administrative hub in Palikir and built legislative, executive, judicial and other important government facilities there. The government then officially moved the capital to Palikir in 1989.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-large wp-image-10797\" src=\"https:\/\/www.min-on.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Micronesia3-copy-1024x322.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"322\" \/><br \/>\n<em>The capital buildings are neatly arranged at the heart of the National Capital Complex<\/em><\/p>\n<p><strong>Yap, steeped in traditional culture<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>The best-known aspect of Yapese traditional culture is <em>rai<\/em> stones. Although they can\u2019t be used as standard money, Yap residents do use them to lease property and express congratulations or apologies. The value of each <em>rai<\/em> stone coin is decided not by its size or weight, but by factors including how it was made or how difficult it was to transport to the island. The stones are generally circular with a hole through the center. They vary in size, with some as large as two meters in diameter.<\/p>\n<p>Another Yapese tradition includes passing down village history and cautionary tales through song and dance. The Yap Day festival is part of this tradition, held every March 1 as the largest festival in the FSM. During the two-day festival, locals from villages across the island perform folk dances and hold competitions including produce and seafood fairs, coconut husking, basket weaving and other skills important for life on the island. So many overseas visitors attend the festival that airlines and hotels are usually completely booked. In early summer, all Yapese living off-island return for a Homecoming Festival featuring different folk dance performances. This festival is held to ensure Yapese always remember their native culture.<\/p>\n<p>Please enjoy this video of the 2018 Homecoming Festival, which coincides with the 30th anniversary celebration of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and the FSM. The video features beautiful scenes of the island and many <em>rai<\/em> stones.<\/p>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1080\" height=\"608\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/pfA-09uCJdE?feature=oembed&#038;enablejsapi=1&#038;origin=https:\/\/www.min-on.org\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" allowfullscreen title=\"Homecoming Summer Festival(\u30db\u30fc\u30e0\u30ab\u30df\u30f3\u30b0 \u30b5\u30de\u30fc\u30d5\u30a7\u30b9\u30c6\u30a3\u30d0\u30eb)\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-large wp-image-10798\" src=\"https:\/\/www.min-on.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Micronesia5-copy-1024x367.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"367\" \/><br \/>\n<em>Rai stones\u2014their worth depends on how they got to the island<\/em><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-large wp-image-10779\" src=\"https:\/\/www.min-on.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Micronesia7-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" \/><br \/>\n<em>Traditional Yapese dress\u2014a lava-lava straw skirt woven from coconut tree leaves and flowering tree fibers<\/em><\/p>\n<p><strong>The paradise islands of Chuuk State<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>The state of Chuuk consists of about 100 islands of different sizes within one of the world&#8217;s largest atolls enclosed by a protective reef, the Chuuk Lagoon. Here, around 80 Japanese ships sunk during the Pacific War and still rest on the ocean floor, making Chuuk Lagoon a popular wreck diving spot that attracts divers from across the globe. Some scenes of the film <em>Titanic<\/em> were also filmed here, causing the island to surge in popularity.<\/p>\n<p>Some islands in Chuuk Lagoon feature accommodations but are uninhabited. One of the most popular is tiny Jeep Island, which is completely surrounded by the sea and only 34 meters in diameter. Here visitors can enjoy diving, swimming with wild dolphins and gazing up at the night sky replete with stars.<\/p>\n<p>Please enjoy the video below of Jeep Island, said to be the island of miracles.<\/p>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1080\" height=\"608\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/9bTNvneAdBk?feature=oembed&#038;enablejsapi=1&#038;origin=https:\/\/www.min-on.org\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" allowfullscreen title=\"[ 4K Ultra HD ] \u5947\u8de1\u306e\u5cf6\u300c\u30b8\u30fc\u30d7\u5cf6\u300d\u30d7\u30ed\u30e2\u30fc\u30b7\u30e7\u30f3 Jeep Island in Truk Lagoon,Chuuk,Micronesia\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-large wp-image-10799\" src=\"https:\/\/www.min-on.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Micronesia8-copy-1024x340.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"340\" \/><br \/>\n<em>Jeep Island&#8217;s dolphins, known for their friendliness (left) and\u00a0<\/em><em>Night sky on Jeep Island, better than any planetarium due to lack of light pollution (right)<\/em><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-large wp-image-10800\" src=\"https:\/\/www.min-on.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Micronesia10-copy-1024x343.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"343\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Mr. Koben Mori, a businessman from Kochi Prefecture, was the first Japanese person to emigrate to the FSM. His many descendants live throughout FSM and form the well-known Mori family, which includes up to 3,000 members. His great-grandchild, Emanuel Mori,\u00a0served as the nation&#8217;s seventh president!<\/p>\n<p><strong>Pohnpei and its mysterious ruins<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>In 1820, explorers discovered the ruins of a historic floating city spanning 95 man-made islands of different sizes near Pohnpei Island. UNESCO registered Nan Madol: Ceremonial Centre of Eastern Micronesia as a World Heritage Site in 2016. Nan Madol prospered as the capital of a former dynasty during 1000 to 1600 AD, and its name means &#8220;the space between humans and the gods&#8221; in the indigenous language. Archaeologists have found a stone palace, temple, cemetery and houses within the ruins, but how its people transported and stacked the massive, multi-ton basalt stones to build these structures is still a mystery. Most of the ruins are covered by mangrove trees, preserving the mysterious atmosphere.<\/p>\n<p>Please enjoy this video introduction to the Nan Madol ruins.<\/p>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1080\" height=\"608\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/Qjrm4sgJMsQ?feature=oembed&#038;enablejsapi=1&#038;origin=https:\/\/www.min-on.org\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" allowfullscreen title=\"[ 4K Ultra HD ]\u4e16\u754c\u907a\u7523\u300c\u30ca\u30f3\u30fb\u30de\u30c9\u30fc\u30eb\u907a\u8de1\u300dWorld Heritage Site \u2018Nan Madol\u2019  in Micronesia\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-large wp-image-10784\" src=\"https:\/\/www.min-on.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Micronesia12-1024x729.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"729\" \/><br \/>\n<em>Walls of multi-ton basalt columns, whose construction method is still unknown<\/em><\/p>\n<p>Kepirohi Waterfall near the Nan Madol ruins is also a spectacular sight. A voluminous river surges down over the 20-meter-tall, 30-meter-wide basalt rock face, drawing many tourists to this powerful and refreshing site.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-10785\" src=\"https:\/\/www.min-on.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Micronesia13.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1000\" height=\"662\" \/><br \/>\n<em>One of the many waterfalls and rivers in Pohnpei, which has world-leading rainfall levels.<\/em><\/p>\n<p>An essential part of Pohnpei cuisine is <em>sakau<\/em>, a drink extracted by pounding the roots of pepper plants. On important occasions, local people may perform a ceremony where they pound the roots to a special rhythm to make <em>sakau<\/em> as the chief and special guests watch. During this ceremony, the drink is passed around following strict etiquette, starting with the chief and descending in rank. Recently, <em>sakau<\/em> has become an everyday drink.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-10786\" src=\"https:\/\/www.min-on.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Micronesia14.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1000\" height=\"684\" \/><br \/>\n<em>Locals making sakau, which has a calming and relaxing effect<\/em><\/p>\n<p><strong>Kosrae, the jewel of the Pacific<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Unlike other states in the FSM, Kosrae State consists only of Kosrae Island. This island has the most pristine mangrove forests and coral reefs in the world, earning it the name &#8220;Jewel of the Pacific.&#8221; The expansive island is protected as a marine preserve and is home to rare native trees and birds.<\/p>\n<p>A majority of the population in Kosrae are devout Christians. Every week on Sunday, the Sabbath, families refrain from work of any kind and instead go to church to pray. The locals make Kosraean soup (or Sunday soup) with rice and fish like tuna or bonito boiled in coconut paste on Saturday, then gather around the table on Sunday to share a meal.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-large wp-image-10801\" src=\"https:\/\/www.min-on.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Micronesia15-copy-1024x354.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"354\" \/><br \/>\n<em>Lush forests of rare indigenous trees (left) and r<\/em><em>are birds, which visitors can observe up close (right)<\/em><\/p>\n<p>Please watch the video to learn how to cook Kosraean Soup.<\/p>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1080\" height=\"608\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/qLjMi39OIUg?start=31&#038;feature=oembed&#038;enablejsapi=1&#038;origin=https:\/\/www.min-on.org\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" allowfullscreen title=\"MARUHA NICHIRO\u2019S FINEST RECIPES [Kosraean Soup :Federated States of Micronesia]\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-10790\" src=\"https:\/\/www.min-on.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Micronesia18.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"645\" height=\"1000\" \/><br \/>\n<em>Coconuts, essential for life thanks to their wide range of uses<\/em><\/p>\n<p><strong>Musicians of the FSM<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>In closing, we would like to introduce musicians recommended by the Embassy of the Federated States of Micronesia in Japan.<\/p>\n<p><strong>ReChuuk<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-10791\" src=\"https:\/\/www.min-on.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Micronesia19.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"720\" height=\"663\" \/><\/p>\n<p>This band&#8217;s name, ReChuuk, means &#8220;Chuukese person&#8221; in the local language. The band was led by Jesse &#8220;Che&#8221; Mori, who was one of the FSM\u2019s greatest musicians, and a descendant of Koben Mori. He passed away in 2006 at the young age of 30. Even after his passing, he is still praised as a legend, and people of all ages continue to love his songs.<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li><strong> Sleepless Nights<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>This is ReChuuk&#8217;s most iconic song.<\/p>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1080\" height=\"608\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/EsojZR7yS_8?feature=oembed&#038;enablejsapi=1&#038;origin=https:\/\/www.min-on.org\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" allowfullscreen title=\"\u3010Min-On Music Journey\u3011| \u201cSleepless Nights\u201d | ReChuuk\uff08Jesse CHE Mori\uff09\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<ol start=\"2\">\n<li><strong> Sipwe Seserez<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>This song depicts the artist\u2019s love for a woman through metaphor of a voyage. Seserez means &#8220;to leave it to the wind&#8221; in the indigenous language.<\/p>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1080\" height=\"608\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/tiv37k1-6Bs?feature=oembed&#038;enablejsapi=1&#038;origin=https:\/\/www.min-on.org\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" allowfullscreen title=\"\u3010Min-On Music Journey\u3011| \u201cSipwe Seserez\u201d | ReChuuk\uff08Jesse CHE Mori\uff09\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><strong>Sekenan<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-10792\" src=\"https:\/\/www.min-on.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Micronesia20.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"540\" height=\"405\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Sekenan is a Chuuk descendant of Koben Mori from Kochi Prefecture, Japan, who is said to be the inspiration for the comic <em>Adventures of Dankichi<\/em>. In August 2016, Sekenan performed at the Pacific Roots FEST 2016, a cultural exchange festival held in Yokohama highlighting Pacific Island art and music.<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li><strong> Tirow Tirow Tirow Womi (acoustic cover)<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>Everyone in Chuuk knows this song. The composer and lyricist are unknown, but everyone credits ReChuuk&#8217;s performance for making it so popular.<\/p>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1080\" height=\"400\" scrolling=\"no\" frameborder=\"no\" src=\"https:\/\/w.soundcloud.com\/player\/?visual=true&#038;url=https%3A%2F%2Fapi.soundcloud.com%2Ftracks%2F844446289&#038;show_artwork=true&#038;maxheight=1000&#038;maxwidth=1080\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Finally, please enjoy this video of FSM high school students performing remotely due to COVID-19 with Japanese a cappella group INSPi to sing <em>Ue o Muite Arukou<\/em> (&#8220;I Look Up as I Walk,&#8221; or also known as &#8220;Sukiyaki&#8221;).<\/p>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1080\" height=\"608\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/osX4qjZfDZY?feature=oembed&#038;enablejsapi=1&#038;origin=https:\/\/www.min-on.org\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" allowfullscreen title=\"\u4e0a\u3092\u5411\u3044\u3066\u6b69\u3053\u3046\/INSPi  Feat.\u30df\u30af\u30ed\u30cd\u30b7\u30a2\u306e\u9ad8\u6821\u751f\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-large wp-image-10793\" src=\"https:\/\/www.min-on.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Micronesia21-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" \/><br \/>\n<em>Innocent smiles shine on the faces of children in this southern island paradise surrounded by the sea<\/em><\/p>\n<p>What did you think of your music journey to the Federated States of Micronesia? There are still many more places to go! Please look forward to our next destination.<\/p>\n<p>Min-On Concert Association<\/p>\n<p>\uff0dMusic Binds Our Hearts\uff0d<\/p>\n<p>(Produced in collaboration with the Embassy of the Federated States of Micronesia and the Federated States of Micronesia Visitors Office, who also provided photos.)<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Welcome to Min-On&#8217;s Music Journey! Today, the Min [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":13144,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[423,415],"tags":[424],"distributor_meta":false,"distributor_terms":false,"distributor_media":false,"distributor_original_site_name":"Chinese Traditional - Min-On Website","distributor_original_site_url":"https:\/\/www.min-on.org\/zh-hant","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.min-on.org\/zh-hant\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10758"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.min-on.org\/zh-hant\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.min-on.org\/zh-hant\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.min-on.org\/zh-hant\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.min-on.org\/zh-hant\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=10758"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.min-on.org\/zh-hant\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10758\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":13312,"href":"https:\/\/www.min-on.org\/zh-hant\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10758\/revisions\/13312"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.min-on.org\/zh-hant\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/13144"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.min-on.org\/zh-hant\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=10758"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.min-on.org\/zh-hant\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=10758"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.min-on.org\/zh-hant\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=10758"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}