[Traditional Performing Arts of Okinawa] A special feature on classic Eisa songs that make you want to dance
We’re introducing songs that make you want to dance—both lively picks and timeless classics—perfect for Eisa, the traditional Okinawan summer performance.
Eisa is said to have begun as a dance to see off and welcome ancestral spirits during the Obon season, and nowadays events are held not only in Okinawa but elsewhere as well.
Each song captures the spirit and character of Okinawa, lifting you into a bright, joyful mood.
Give them a listen not only when choosing music for Eisa, but also whenever you want to savor powerful, radiant Okinawan songs that fit beautifully in those settings.
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[Traditional Performing Arts of Okinawa] Eisa’s Classic Songs: A Collection of Irresistibly Danceable Tunes (1–10)
Umiya color
Okinawan folk song “Umi Yakaraa” is, so to speak, a love song that portrays the passionate romance between a man and a woman.
Among Okinawan folk songs, its relatively simple lyrics are part of its charm.
The story—“I was so absorbed in spending time with my lover that before I knew it, dawn had broken; how am I going to explain this to my parents, who didn’t know?”—feels relatable even to us today! Combined with its expansive melody, it’s also a perfect piece for dancing Eisa.
Ichubi measures
Ichubi Kobushi is a song about a woman thinking of the man she loves as she goes to pick strawberries.
“Ichubi” means strawberries, and the word itself has a cute ring to it.
In fact, this piece is an Okinawan folk song whose curious lyrics are surprisingly addictive.
It’s said that even locals fluent in the Ryukyuan dialect find the exact meaning hard to interpret.
Despite its enigmatic words, the song has a bright feel with a buoyant rhythm that would pair well with the atmosphere of Eisa dancing.
Asadoya Yunta
Among the many Okinawan folk songs, one that has long been beloved on Taketomi Island in the Yaeyama Islands, including Ishigaki Island, is Asadoya Yunta.
“Asadoya” is pronounced “Asado,” and “yunta” refers to a call-and-response work song sung alternately by men and women.
Since yunta itself is a folk style unique to the Yaeyama Islands, this piece is a song that lets you deeply savor the music of that region within Okinawa.
If there are participants from the Yaeyama Islands at an Eisa performance, we’d love to play this song and get everyone excited together!
[Okinawan Traditional Performing Arts] Eisa Classics: A Special Feature on Songs That Make You Want to Dance (11–20)
Eisa NightNatsukawa Rimi
Rimi Natsukawa, a singer from Ishigaki City in Okinawa Prefecture whose 2001 release Nada Sousou became a massive hit.
Her song Eisa no Yoru, as the title suggests, is themed around Eisa.
Its lyrics are full of poetic expressions that conjure up lively scenes just by listening—one of its greatest charms! Compared to traditional Okinawan folk songs, it’s relatively new, but it’s reportedly being used more and more in Eisa performances nowadays.
It’s also available at karaoke, so if you get a chance to sing together, definitely give it a try!
Hello UncleKina Shōkichi & Chanpurūzu
Shoukichi Kina, known as a pioneer of the genre Uchinaa Pop—which gives Okinawan folk songs a pop arrangement—teamed up with Champuruz, a female group that also performs Uchinaa Pop, to create the very unique song “Haisai Ojisan.” The charm of this song lies in its lyrics, which comically portray the interactions between a certain boy and an older man who lives in the neighborhood.
With its up-tempo, rock ’n’ roll feel, it’s the kind of track that would set your body moving naturally if played for Eisa dancing!
Island SongTHE BOOM
A four-member rock band, THE BOOM.
Their song “Shima Uta” is an addictive track with a distinctive style that actively incorporates Okinawan scales.
When it was first released in 1992, it was sung in the Ryukyuan dialect as “Shima Uta (Uchinaaguchi Version),” but in 1993 it was rearranged into a standard Japanese version titled “Shima Uta (Original Version).” While the standard Japanese version is the one widely known, if you’re dancing Eisa, using the Uchinaaguchi version might let you experience the local atmosphere more deeply.
play yardMaekawa Morikata
Mamoru Maekawa is a singer who specializes in Okinawan folk music.
His 1988 release “Asibinaa” is an easy-to-listen-to track with a light, lively rhythm.
By the way, the title is pronounced “ashibinaa.” Its approachable arrangement, which also resonates with modern pop, makes it a great recommendation even for people who don’t usually listen to Okinawan folk.
I’ve heard it’s popular in karaoke boxes in Okinawa as well, showing how its friendly melody is loved by many.
Since it’s so well-known, it also seems like a good choice for dancing Eisa!