[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.
- [Eisa] A roundup of classic and popular songs—perfect for sports day!
- A classic song in the Okinawan dialect, Uchinaaguchi
- From J-pop to folk songs! Popular and classic Okinawan tunes
- [Tearjerker] Songs that make your heart tremble with tears & moving tracks with lyrics that touch the soul
- [A Life-Affirming Anthem] An Encouraging Song to Cheer You On
- [Make Your Summer Pop] A High-Energy J-POP Playlist to Boost Your Mood! [2026]
- “Song of War”: A classic that sings of the tragedy and folly of war
- [Let's Enjoy Japanese Festival Songs!] Songs about festivals. Famous songs related to festivals.
- [For Seniors] Recommended Summer Songs for August [2026]
- Get fired up for the hot season! Summer songs recommended for Gen Z
- [For Seniors] Popular Summer Songs: Selections That Liven Up Karaoke
- Songs that Teach the Value of Life | A Collection of Masterpieces Celebrating the Wonder of Living
- [Ryukyuan Music] Folk and Classical Music of the Ryukyu Islands
[Okinawan Traditional Performing Arts] Eisa Classics: A Special Feature on Songs That Make You Want to Dance (21–30)
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.
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.
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!
Orion Beer, Okinawa’s prideBEGIN
BEGIN is a band whose charm lies in songs that blend acoustic blues with J-pop.
They are known for hits like “Nada Sou Sou,” released in 2000, and “Shimanchu nu Takara,” released in 2002.
One of their hidden gems is “Ojii Jiman no Orion Beer,” released in 2003.
Its bouncy rhythm feels great, and the irresistibly bright, beautiful lyrics are perfect for Eisa! If everyone dances while listening to this song, it’s sure to lift your spirits.
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.
Thank you / GreetingsIkuma Akira
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.