Lovely nursery rhymes, folk songs, and children's songs

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

POPS writer/editorKEI
Since discovering music during my school days, I’ve mainly listened to Japanese and Korean pop. I have experience writing articles for sites like Utaten. 2000s J-pop and 2010s K-pop were especially the soundtrack of my youth. With the mindset that “good is good,” I enjoy music across genres. Thanks to past work environments and their influence, I was exposed to lots of classic rock and kayōkyoku (Japanese popular songs), which may have broadened the scope of what I love. At RAG MUSIC, I currently focus on K-pop and J-pop. I strive to edit with a feel for the scene and an eye for hit potential.

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.

[Okinawan Traditional Performing Arts] Eisa Classics: A Special Feature on Songs That Make You Want to Dance (21–30)

Ryukyuan HymnKaisegatou Yutaka

Ryukyuan Hymn

Ryukyuan HymnKaisegatou Yutaka

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.

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Hana nu Chura ShimaTokeiji Tsutomu

Yusuke Hontake LIVE in Osaka: Hana nu Chura Shima

Hana nu Chura ShimaTokeiji Tsutomu

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.

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[Traditional Performing Arts of Okinawa] Eisa Standard Songs: A Special Feature on Tunes That Make You Want to Dance (31–40)

Tears Flowing EndlesslyNatsukawa Rimi

I tried dancing to ‘Nada Sou Sou’ (Rimi Natsukawa)❣️ #CreativeEisa #NadaSousou

Tears Flowing EndlesslyNatsukawa Rimi

A signature song of Rimi Natsukawa whose title, in the Okinawan dialect, means “tears falling in drops.” Ryoko Moriyama wrote the lyrics in memory of her late brother, and BEGIN composed the music.

Wrapped in gentle words and melody, the song conveys gratitude and prayers to cherished people preserved in beloved old albums.

Recorded in March 2001, it remained on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart for a total of 157 weeks and won the Gold Prize at the 44th Japan Record Awards in 2002.

In 2006, it was chosen as the theme song for a film starring Satoshi Tsumabuki and Masami Nagasawa, commemorating TBS Television’s 50th anniversary.

It can also be used for Eisa performances at school sports festivals to share Okinawa’s culture and the feelings of its people.

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In conclusion

We introduced classic Eisa songs—irresistibly danceable tracks perfect for different scenes.

Did you find the song you were looking for, or discover one that caught your interest? Each track captures the atmosphere of Okinawa and is sure to lift your spirits.

They’re great not only for Eisa performances but also for those times when you want to enjoy that bright, cheerful vibe—so take your time and give them a listen.