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

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.

Festival of the Seventh Month

Eisa, Eisa, Hiyaruga Eisa [July Festival] ~ End Roll (Ryukyu Dance Troupe Shoryu Festival Taiko PV)

An energetic track by Ryukyu Mendan Shoryu Matsuri Daiko that preserves Okinawa’s traditional melodies and rhythms while adding a modern arrangement.

The powerful beat of the taiko drums blends beautifully with the plaintive tones of the sanshin, stirring the listener’s heart.

The promotional video, filmed across Okinawa’s main island in October 2013, captures dynamic performances set against Naha City, the area around Shurijo Castle, and stunning coastlines—showcasing Okinawa’s captivating scenery.

It’s an ideal piece for group routines at school sports festivals and dance performances incorporating Eisa.

The commanding drum rhythms and distinctive melodic lines will unite the entire venue and captivate the audience.

Ryukyuan HymnKaisegatou Yutaka

Ryukyuan Hymn

Hosei Toyo’s music, where traditional Okinawan sounds and modern elements blend beautifully, captivates with the powerful rhythms of the sanshin and drums and melodies that resonate in the heart.

This piece celebrates the charms of Okinawa and is a familiar tune among locals, used for the prefecture’s tourism promotions and as a theme song for local TV programs.

Incorporating it into a school sports day program will let the energetic drum beats and the dynamic tones of the sanshin further elevate the children’s performance.

Pa-pa PineappleNagopainappurupāku

Papa Pineapple Dance Eisa Full Version (3 minutes)

This song from Nago Pineapple Park, featuring a bright melody packed with tropical cheer and a pop rhythm, is a refreshing track that seems to capture the sparkle of the Okinawan sun in music.

Released in 2013, it was recorded in four languages: Japanese, English, Chinese, and Korean.

In December 2024, it evolved even further with a new music video featuring FC Ryukyu’s dance team, “Gyakushū no BOMBERZ.” It’s a perfect fit for school sports festivals, Eisa performances, and group routines, with energetic choreography and an addictive chorus that make it ideal for everyone to have fun moving together.

ParadiseMiyagi Mamoru

"Paradise" by Mamoru Miyagi with Gen Hirakata & Ryota @ Tameike Usagi-ya

This is a thrilling, up-tempo track that brilliantly fuses traditional Okinawan music with pop.

The sound of the sanshin blends exquisitely with modern arrangements, evoking the refreshing breeze of the tropics.

Featured on the album “Minamikaze” (“Southern Wind”), this song celebrates Okinawa’s beautiful nature and the warmth of its people, and its melody is sure to bring both comfort and energy to listeners.

You can almost see the smiling children at a school sports day, dancing with all their might and beating the drums with powerful rhythms.

Mami and Toma styleYaeyama min’yō

“Kohama-bushi / Mami Toma-bushi” by Isamu Asato <Okinawa Izakaya Kodama> (2018)

With the sanshin’s richly expressive melody and graceful rhythms, Yaeyama folk songs soothe the soul.

Woven from the island’s unhurried flow of time, its abundant nature, and the lives of its people, these beautiful melodies evoke a quiet sense of wonder.

Interlacing emotive sounds with dynamic drum rhythms, this piece is sure to add extra brilliance to the children’s Eisa performance at a school sports day.

Through performing Eisa together as one, everyone can truly experience the splendor of Okinawa’s traditional culture.

Flirting all year roundrinken bando

Flirting all year round

This work, which beautifully fuses Okinawan tradition with contemporary music, is known as a staple Eisa piece.

Released by Rinken Band in 1991, the song features lyrics that depict Okinawa’s annual events and everyday life, along with the soothing tones of the sanshin and island drums.

With its rhythmic melody and friendly lyrics, it’s loved by a wide range of ages, from children to adults.

It’s a perfect choice for Eisa performances at school sports festivals, too.

It’s sure to bring the whole venue together for a wonderful, smile-filled time.