[Eisa] A roundup of classic and popular songs—perfect for sports day!

Festival of ProsperityYaeyama min’yō

Prosperity Festival | Yaeyama folk song praising the village’s flourishing and nature [Okinawan song]

A masterpiece of Yaeyama folk music that celebrates rich nature and everyday life is perfect for Eisa dance and school sports day performances! Accompanied by the resonant tones of the sanshin, this piece vividly portrays island scenes with emotion.

Its relaxed rhythm and lush melodies are soothing, while blending beautifully with the energetic dynamism of Eisa.

It’s recommended for those who want to engage with Okinawa’s traditional culture while captivating the audience with a high-energy performance.

Paired with children’s lively expressions, it’s sure to liven up any sports day.

A place to return toHY

A Place to Return: SHINKA Creative Eisa at Senagajima Umikaji Terrace, 2023-05-05

HY’s song, filled with deep love and warmth for their Okinawan homeland, resonates with the heart.

Featured on the album “GLOCAL,” this track blends references to local landmarks and the sound of traditional Eisa drums, serving as an encouraging anthem for those living away from home.

Its lyrics, which gently speak to the feelings everyone raised in Okinawa has for their “mother island” and the importance of returning there, sink deeply into the listener’s heart.

Used as the finale of a school sports day or as accompaniment for an Eisa performance, this piece will leave a warm afterglow in the hearts of all participants.

Thank you / GreetingsIkuma Akira

Gusuy Sabira ~Festival of Life~

This track is striking for its festive sound that brings out the full allure of Okinawa and its powerful lyrics that sing of the preciousness of life and the bonds between people.

Akira Ikuma’s passionate vocals blend beautifully with the traditional rhythms woven by the sanshin and drums, making it the perfect BGM to energize any sports day.

Tied in with Orion Beer’s mid-year gift campaign commercial in 2009, the song was included on the album “Dynamic Ryukyu” and earned high acclaim both within and beyond Okinawa.

Through a collaboration with a local choir, it was elevated into a piece with even greater breadth and richness.

As a staple for Eisa performances, it’s sure to shine at school functions and events.

Hana nu Chura ShimaTokeiji Tsutomu

Yusuke Hontake LIVE in Osaka: Hana nu Chura Shima

A song that warmly celebrates Okinawa’s beautiful nature and culture, resonating with the comforting tones of the sanshin and an upbeat rhythm.

It is a signature work by Tsutomu Tokeshi that superbly fuses traditional Okinawan music with pop, and it is included on the album “Okinawa no Kaze,” released in June 2005.

The track was also chosen as the official campaign song of the Okinawa Convention & Visitors Bureau and has been used in local TV commercials and radio programs, making it highly well-known in Okinawa.

Its gentle mood and powerful beat further illuminate the image of children dancing together in unison.

Flower CityIkuma Akira

2024 Sports Day 3rd and 4th Grade Performance – Eisa “Suganchu nu Mai” ~With the Wind~

A powerful work that weaves a moving sound by fusing Okinawan traditional music with rock and pop.

The soulful vocals praising the preciousness of the Earth and life, the strong rhythms of the drums, and the beautiful melodies of the sanshin are in perfect harmony.

Singing of the importance of local culture and bonds, this piece features approachable arrangements of Okinawan performing arts and fully conveys the appeal of new music born from the interplay of tradition and innovation.

It’s perfect for performing Eisa at a school sports festival, and is a must-listen for anyone interested in traditional performing arts or dance.

Tears Flowing EndlesslyNatsukawa Rimi

I tried dancing to ‘Nada Sou Sou’ (Rimi Natsukawa)❣️ #CreativeEisa #NadaSousou

A signature song of Rimi Natsukawa whose title, in the Okinawan dialect, means “tears falling in drops.” Ryoko Moriyama wrote the lyrics in memory of her late brother, and BEGIN composed the music.

Wrapped in gentle words and melody, the song conveys gratitude and prayers to cherished people preserved in beloved old albums.

Recorded in March 2001, it remained on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart for a total of 157 weeks and won the Gold Prize at the 44th Japan Record Awards in 2002.

In 2006, it was chosen as the theme song for a film starring Satoshi Tsumabuki and Masami Nagasawa, commemorating TBS Television’s 50th anniversary.

It can also be used for Eisa performances at school sports festivals to share Okinawa’s culture and the feelings of its people.

Sanshin FlowerBEGIN

BEGIN / Flowers of the Sanshin

BEGIN’s songs, which elevate Okinawa’s traditions and culture into contemporary pop, are perfect for adding color to an Eisa performance at a school sports day.

Released in October 2006, this piece vividly portrays the beautiful scenery of Okinawa and the bonds among its people.

The nostalgic melodies carried by the sanshin and the warm vocals of Ei Sho Higa resonate deeply.

Also featured as an insert song in the film “Nada Sōsō,” it gently embraces those who carry their hometown in their hearts.

When this song plays at a sports day, both children and parents will be able to dance in unison, experiencing the charm of Okinawa together.