Nēnēs is an Okinawan music group formed in 1990 by China Sadao. The group, whose name translated to "sisters" in the Okinawan language, initially consisted of Ayumi Yonaha, Ayano Higa, Nagisa Uehara, and Izumi Kinjō. They began their career with the release of their debut album Ikawū in 1991 under Disc Akabana. Their music, featuring traditional Okinawan folk songs accompanied by Sanshin, gained international recognition through tours in Europe and New York in 1994. Nēnēs also signed a recording contract with Sony Records, collaborating with Ryūichi Sakamoto for six albums until 1996. Several tracks from their 1995 album Nārabi were also used as background music in the anime series Great Teacher Onizuka. In 2016, Nēnēs celebrated their 25th anniversary with the release of Dikka, which included both traditional Okinawan folk songs and new compositions by the members.
