[Traditional Performing Arts of Okinawa] A special feature on classic Eisa songs that make you want to dance

MotherNEW!kariyushi 58

Kariyushi58 “Anma”

As the title suggests—“Anma,” meaning “mother” in the Okinawan language—the single released by Kariyushi58 in July 2006 is a warm masterpiece that sings of regret and deep gratitude toward one’s mother.

With lyrics carefully woven by Shingo Maekawa expressing his feelings for his mother, harmonized with a medium-tempo sound incorporating Okinawan scales and reggae elements, the song resonates deeply with many listeners.

It was chosen as the ending theme for the music program MUSIC B.B.

and is also known for winning the New Artist Award at the Japan Cable Awards.

Its friendly rhythm makes it easy to incorporate into Eisa performances at school sports festivals, and it’s recommended as a piece that highlights children’s powerful performances.

Milk MunariHii de Katsu

[Okinawa LIFE] 2021 Eisa - Ryukyu Koku Matsuri Daiko - Mirukumunari Edition - Special Version - Full

Milk Munari is a captivating track by Okinawan musician Hidekatsu, released in 1993, known for its addictive rhythm.

Rather than being a traditional Eisa song passed down through generations, it belongs to a later, intentionally composed style known as “creative Eisa.” Notably, the lyrics are sung in the Yaeyama dialect by Hidekatsu, who hails from Taketomi Island.

The dialect’s distinctive sound is so unique that even people from Okinawa’s main island often can’t understand it.

Give the song a listen with an ear for the remarkable Yaeyama dialect!

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Eisa leaderNEW!

Yoshikaru Ward Youth Association Eisa Leader With Lyrics

This is a vigorous Eisa piece that lets you feel the summer air of Okinawa and the heat of the old Bon festival on your skin.

Its valiant calls, driving drums, and the sanshin’s melodic turns come together as one to instantly raise the listener’s excitement.

Included on the album “Yonaha Toru Presents: Eisa de Surisaasaa,” released in June 2006, the track features electrifying performances by Kazutoshi Matsuda, Koichi Matsuda, and the Jaagaru Youth Association.

It has since appeared on multiple compilations and remains beloved.

Although it has no tie-ins with television or similar media, this work truly shines in traditional performance settings.

It’s perfect as a group routine for sports days, where everyone forms ranks and dances in unison with powerful energy.

Ase-mizu FestivalNEW!

[Okinawan Song] Sweat and Toil Bushi | For when you need a lift and can’t push yourself [Sanshin]

This song has long been cherished as a classic that brightens Okinawa’s traditional Eisa.

With lyrics by Minoru Nakamoto and music by Chōhō Miyara, it also serves as a didactic song that extols the joy of working and the importance of learning.

Its gentle melody and rhythmic interjections are soothing, and each listen lifts your spirits.

Selected through a public competition in 1928, this historic piece has been loved ever since and has been passed down by many artists, including a recording released under the Ryukyu folk song name in October 2002.

It is also familiar as the theme song for Ryukyu Mura’s performance “Mamidōmā.” With its rhythmic, upbeat tempo, it’s perfect for group performances at sports days and dance competitions.

It’s a highly recommended track for situations where everyone dances in unison.

Hiyamikachi-bushiNEW!

Hiyamikachi Bushi | Classic Fast Sanshin Playing [Okinawan Song]

Hiyamikachi-bushi is a beloved staple of Okinawa’s traditional performing art, Eisa.

Created in postwar Okinawa to rally people’s spirits, the piece is characterized by its powerful calls and the lively tones of the sanshin.

It carries an encouraging message of “Now, stand up,” making it a perfect cheer song to unite everyone at school sports days.

In addition to being included on Seijin Noborikawa’s March 1998 album Howling Wolf, it has been passed down through performances by various artists, such as Vanesa Oshiro’s single Aitai Shima.

Because it is frequently performed at local events and stage productions, many people may have heard it before.

It’s highly recommended as a song that further heightens the energy of Eisa’s dynamic dances!

Let’s make lots of foam!NEW!kiiyama shouten

Let's make lots of foam!

Created with the theme of energetically supporting Okinawa’s traditional spirits, this track captivates with its brisk, pulsing rhythm! Produced by Kiiya Ma Shoten, it plays like a unique audio directory, rapidly listing the names of 46 distilleries within Okinawa Prefecture along with their representative brands.

Released in June 2017 as a digital single available exclusively by download, it was tied in with a promotional initiative led by the youth division of the Okinawa Prefecture Brewers Association to attract tourism and revitalize local communities.

Its light, up-tempo sound is a perfect fit for Eisa performances that involve big, dynamic movements.

It’s highly recommended for situations where you want to feel Okinawan culture and get everyone dancing together and fired up at a school sports day!

Asadoya Yunta

Sanshin: Sayu-Yui-Yui ♪ Okinawa’s representative folk song ♪ “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!

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Yuuki

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