Anyone familiar with him?

I'm listening to the Luaka Bop "Best Of" comp which, according to my Japanese friend Katsu, is all based on traditional Okanawa music, but has elements of modern Western pop music.

It's pretty cool.
Apparently he also did some stuff with Ry Cooder, too.
Anyone heard that stuff?

Opinions?
Other traditional-based Japanese artists I should keep an eye out for?