[Heart to the Tropics] Japanese songs that evoke Hawaiian landscapes
Blue seas and white sandy beaches, palm trees shimmering in the sunlight.
Japanese music themed around Hawaii, that everlasting tropical paradise, overflows with a special charm.
In songs by a wide range of artists—like AAA, bird, and BEGIN—you can feel a gentle longing for the islands and the spirit of travel.
From Eurobeat collaborations with Disney to sophisticated nighttime performances with an adult mood.
Why not listen to Japan’s Hawaii songs and let the wings of music carry you to the warm skies of Hawaii?
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[Heart to the Tropics] Japanese Songs that Evoke Hawaiian Scenery (31–40)
HawaiiRukatama
A single that charms with a refreshing breeze of the tropics and a faintly nostalgic melody.
Blending the best of city pop and classic Japanese pop, the track’s easy, soothing rhythm whisks listeners away to an eternal-summer island.
Lukatama’s gentle vocals softly express a longing for Hawaii and the liberating feeling of escaping everyday life.
This song appears as the third track on the album “MISRULE” (December 2022).
As a spinoff project, “Hawaii Ondo” was also released in January 2023.
It’s perfect for when you want to get away from the city’s clamor, when you’re dreaming of a tropical getaway, or for a sunset drive.
Why not take off for the heartwarming Hawaiian sky on the musical wings of Lukatama and a band of seasoned musicians?
little hawaiiRT
This track is brimming with the charm of surf music.
The acoustic guitar played by RT, renowned as a master of Hawaiian songs, evokes the sound of waves and the ocean breeze.
Released in June 2005, it’s filled with a refreshing vibe that makes you want to listen at a summer beach or resort.
Perfect as background music for seaside BBQs or sunset drives.
Its mystical sound soothes a tired heart and helps you forget the noise of the city.
It’s a recommended song for when you want to relax or spend time leisurely while picturing the landscapes of Hawaii.
The strong and fleeting onesCocco
Cocco is a singer-songwriter with many faces—actor, picture book author, essayist, and novelist—who continues to captivate fans with works that portray emotions with stark realism.
Her major second single, “Tsuyoku Hakanai Monotachi” (“The Strong and the Fragile”), used as the theme song for Japan Airlines’ JAL Hawaii Campaign, became a massive hit that made her name known to listeners across generations.
Comparing life’s challenges to the ocean, the lyrics depict the strengths and weaknesses of being human, touching on life themes that feel timeless in any era.
The contrast between the sprightly off-beat rhythm and the beautiful melody is deeply moving, making it a comforting song you’ll want to keep listening to.
BLUE BIRDHamasaki Ayumi
One of Ayumi Hamasaki’s signature songs, beloved by many, is “BLUE BIRD.” Released in 2006, this summer track is crafted from the perspective of a bird flying over the sky, depicting the coastline.
Its exhilarating sound makes it perfect for a drive.
At the same time, because the lyrics don’t explicitly reference summer, its appeal lies in being enjoyable year-round.
As a side note, the music video—known for its beautiful ocean scenery—was filmed at Kaneohe Bay in Hawaii.
Blue Hawaiidikku mine
A singer overflowing with the charm of a Showa-era deep voice, Dick Mine presents a cover of an Elvis Presley song.
I was surprised to learn that cover versions of Western music already existed back then.
And the Japanese translation is so well-crafted that you wouldn’t even think it’s a cover.
[Heart to the Tropics] Japanese Songs that Evoke Hawaiian Scenery (41–50)
The Longed-For Hawaii RouteHaruo Oka
An unforgettable Showa-era classic that sings of a longing for a tropical paradise.
Haruo Oka’s distinctive voice vividly evokes a ship setting sail from the harbor and the beauty of the sea.
Symbolizing the hopes and dreams of the Japanese people after the war, the song became a massive hit in December 1948, earning one million points.
A film of the same title was also produced, featuring a standout duet with a young Hibari Misora.
In an era when overseas travel was rare, this song comforted those who dreamed of Hawaii.
Listen to it on a hot summer day, and you may feel a cool ocean breeze.
The Young Boss of HawaiiKayama Yūzō
When you think of Wakadaishō, you think of the sea—and Hawaii, of course.
He’s known overseas as well, and the very popular Mr.
Kayama just can’t hide the aura of a veteran star.
I can’t help but think there’s no one else who suits a ukulele and an aloha shirt quite as well as he does.