Intercultural Song Composition: Integrating the Nirai of Okinawan Instrument into Sape of Bornean Musical Traditions

Abstract

The nirai is a four-string hybrid instrument that combines characteristics of the Okinawan sanshin with those of a standard guitar, developed by the brand K. Yairi. Designed for ease of performance, the instrument employs a default open-fifth tuning in the key of G (G2–D3–G3–D4, from the fourth to the first string). Owing to its non-standard tuning and simplified design, conventional Western notation systems-such as standard guitar tablature-are less commonly applied. As a result, performers typically rely on aural learning or adapt musical materials to suit the instrument’s tuning, which yields a diatonic rather than a fully chromatic scale. Knowledge is generated through the act of composing, arranging, and performing original musical works as research artefacts. The research methods include the development of customized notation scores specific to nirai, as well as duet performances with selected local traditional instruments. The findings demonstrate that the timbral and modal characteristics of the Nirai integrate effectively with indigenous Bornean instruments, the sape, revealing its potential as a mediating tool for intercultural musical dialogue. This study contributes practice-led insights into alternative tuning systems, compositional strategies, and notation approaches, reinforcing the value of creative practice as a mode of musical knowledge production.