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

Nakazun Nagare

[Okinawan Song] Nakajun Nagari | Sanshin Music Famous in Eisa | With Lyrics

There are many standard pieces in Eisa, a traditional folk performing-dance of Okinawa, and “Nakazhoon Nagari” is one of the representative ones.

In the Okinawan dialect, it is pronounced Chunjun Nagari.

Although the lyrics mention Tanabata, this summertime song is often used for Okinawa’s Bon dances.

Dancers offer prayers to the local deities and memorials to their ancestors through the performance, celebrating health, safety, and prosperity.

The celebratory song “Nakazhoon Nagari” is now performed and enjoyed across Japan, even at events like school sports days.

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nikki

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Kudaka Manju-shu

Lyric Commentary: Introduction to an Eisa Song - 'Kudaka Manjushu' [Tokyo Nakano Ward Shimpū Eisa]

Kudaka Manju-shu, also known as “Kūdākā,” is an Okinawan folk song often used in Eisa.

It depicts people teasingly spreading the word that the manju-shu of Kudaka is looking for a lover, and how those around them get drawn into the commotion.

From there, the story develops into going from house to house to receive offerings of sake, and the lively atmosphere comes through in the interjections as well.

This image of visiting homes to receive sake is said to overlap with the origins of Eisa, which involved traveling around regions as a form of dancing nembutsu, and the song has become a staple of Eisa.

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kappamaki

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Bountiful Harvest Dance

[Okinawan Folk Song] Harvest Dance / Kachaashii - Large Drum

It’s an Okinawan folk song that conveys the feeling of celebrating a bountiful harvest and sharing words of joy, with a light and cheerful atmosphere.

It depicts people reveling and sensing abundance in various animals and landscapes.

Its lively tempo and bright mood are key features, and the piece is used not only for Eisa, but also for kachāshī, the dance often performed to wrap up celebrations.

When using it for Eisa, incorporating playful steps and movements inspired by kachāshī should effectively express the joy of a plentiful harvest.

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kappamaki

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play yardMaekawa Morikata

Playground - Mamoru Maekawa

Mamoru Maekawa is a singer who specializes in Okinawan folk songs.

His 1988 release “Ashibi-naa” is a very easy-listening track with a lively rhythm.

By the way, the title is pronounced ‘ashibi-naa.’ Its accessible arrangement, which even connects to modern pop sensibilities, makes it a good recommendation for people who don’t usually listen to Okinawan folk music.

It’s said to be popular in karaoke boxes in Okinawa as well, showing how its familiar, friendly melody is loved by many.

Because it’s widely known, it’s also a great choice for dancing Eisa!

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Yuuki

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Grandma Obaa’s Signature Bomb Hot PotBEGIN

Grandma’s Famous Bakudan Hotpot (Eisa Version)

A heartwarming song by BEGIN that celebrates Okinawa’s traditional cuisine and culture.

Through the grandmother’s pride, the “Bakudan Nabe” (Bomb Hot Pot), it portrays Okinawa’s food culture and warm-hearted community, beloved by locals and tourists alike.

Ingredients unique to Okinawa—such as rafute (braised pork belly) and goya champuru (stir-fried bitter melon)—appear in the lyrics, leaving a strong impression of deep local pride.

Released in July 2002, the song was later used in 2012 as the opening theme for an Okinawa TV tokusatsu drama.

It’s a track that lets you fully experience the charm of Okinawa, perfect for those interested in regional cuisine and community bonds.

It would also make a wonderful choice to showcase Okinawan culture as an Eisa performance piece for school sports festivals.

Flower windmill

[Okinawan Folk Songs] Hana nu Kazaguruma, Jin Jin (with translated lyrics, 4K video) / Kazuya Gibo

“Hana nu Kajimayaa” is pronounced “hananu kajimayaa,” and it’s an Okinawan folk song that seems to depict a windmill turning as it catches the breeze.

Its lyrics convey the gentle winds of Okinawa and the light, whirling motion of the windmill.

When performed for Eisa, it’s standard to raise the tempo and present it together with finger whistling, making the interjected calls sound especially light and lively.

With words said to emulate the tone of the sanshin and phrases that sound like calls to those around, the song also conveys a cheerful, festive atmosphere.

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kappamaki

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Tenyo-bushi

Sanshin class assignment piece “Tenyo-bushi” — 2013 Eisa Night (Gokai Youth Association)

There are many traditional Okinawan music pieces used in dances like Eisa, as well as in celebrations and festivals.

“Tenyo-bushi” is also a traditional song that has long been sung, played, and loved by people of all ages.

The lyrics vary slightly by region, which reflects the unique character of each area.

Okinawan folk music features a range of melodic styles, tempos, and themes.

“Tenyo-bushi” is a classic Eisa number performed during the summer Obon season in July and August, when people eagerly await the visit of their ancestors and pray for their families’ health and prosperity.

It has long been danced as a Bon Odori to the light, lively sound of the sanshin.

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