6th Okinawa International Movie Festival

“X Factor Okinawa Japan,” has been broadcast every Saturday at 4:27 to 4:57pm on Okinawa Television Broadcasting since 19^th October 2013, with a special program for the “Grand Final Live Recording” on Saturday, 22^nd March 2014 as a part of the Okinawa International Movie Festival. In the program, the winner Sky's The Limit was decided – the first X Factor prize in Japan!   

“Grand Final Live Recording”

The last show on 15^th March achieved a 12 % audience rating in Okinawa, showing strong interest from the public. The “Grand Final Live Recording” was held on 22^nd March from 4:02 to 4:57pm at Music Town “Sound Square” with the emcees, Jon Kabira and Naomi Watanabe and special guest Beni. Through the voting from the viewers, the final result was announced and Sky's The Limit received the prize fee of30,000 dollars.

Events at the Okinawa International Movie Festival

The final 9 groups performed at the “X Factor Okinawa Japan Finalist Special Performance” at the Beach Stage of the Okinawa Convention Center on 20^th March 2014. The top 4 groups then walked on the red carpet at Ginowan on 21^st March, with the winner Sky's The Limit walking at the red carpet on Kokusai-dori in Naha on Sunday, 23^rd March. They then gave a performance at the “Laugh and Peace Music Special” at the Beach Stage of the Okinawa Convention Center. 

Member of Sky’s The Limit (from the left)

 

Takaki Wakae (26 years old, Osaka)

Takafumi Oshiro (21 years old, Okinawa)

Takuji Yamamoto (20 years old, Osaka)

Hideyuki Maeda (27 years old, Okinawa)

What is “X Factor Okinawa Japan”?

The Syco Entertainment-owned format, created by Simon Cowell, and produced and commissioned in 45 territories worldwide, has been seen by over 350 million viewers around the world since the format first launched in 2004. The key person who leads Syco Entertainment is super-producer Simon Cowell. They have been countless superstars who debuted and made success from his guidance, notably Susan Boyle (who performed at NHK Kohaku Utagassen) and One Direction (a sensational hit in Japan).

Okinawa is known for producing unique artists who made history in the Japanese music industry, and is still home to much talent. Now, with the arrival of X Factor, the world will discover Okinawa by scouting a world-class artist. Featuring the unique culture of Okinawa, X Factor Okinawa Japan will also add a new audition category, “dance”, in its program. The TV series started on October 19, 2013, on OTV Okinawa Television Broadcasting Co., Ltd.