Okinawan folk songs, children’s songs, and nursery rhymes: the heart of our hometown passed down through song.
Doesn’t Okinawan music have a unique vibe that many people love?
In Okinawa, a distinct culture has been nurtured over a long period of time.
As a result, the unique resonance of the Ryukyuan scale combined with lyrics in the Okinawan dialect gives the music a charm unlike any other.
In this article, we’ll introduce plenty of folk songs and children’s songs that have been passed down from adults to children for generations in Okinawan music.
Listen to the songs we’re about to share, and carry on the spirit of Okinawa in song yourself.
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Okinawan folk songs, children's songs, and nursery rhymes: the heart of our hometown passed down in song (1–10)
Festival of Celebrationotome tsubaki
This is a song by an unknown composer.
Since it does not appear among classical pieces, it is thought not to be that old.
Iwai-bushi has a melody similar to “Funakuya-bushi” (Funakuyabushi), a folk song from Yaeyama.
However, its content is the complete opposite: it frankly sings of people’s feelings—resentment and sorrow.
Perhaps, even while declaring it a joyful, celebratory song, it actually contains the people’s wish for this painful world to become a better place.
sensory clauseNakasone Hajime
It’s striking how the verses flow along like everyday speech, carried by the brisk rhythms of Okinawan folk music! Some explain “sensuru” as meaning “mayfly,” but the origin of this Sensuru-bushi is said to be unknown.
This Sensuru-bushi evolves as it incorporates and adapts to local dialects from different regions.
The way it’s sung—peppered with humor to draw laughter—is truly a traditional art.
It really makes you feel that music, at its core, was meant to be enjoyed by people in just this way.
AkamabushiŌshiro Shiban
It is said that “Akabamushi” was written and composed in the early 18th century by Oshiro Shiban, an official of Miyara Village.
This song is also known as “Irasanisha,” and it celebrates the joy of a prized horse—one the king had demanded be surrendered—returning to its owner.
“Irasanisha” means “I’m so happy,” and because it is a joyful song, it is often performed at celebratory occasions.
Okinawan folk songs, children's songs, and nursery rhymes: The heart of our homeland passed down through song (11–20)
Naa-minaa-mi wanwacha-kuri
This song is a children’s folk tune from mainland Okinawa that depicts kids playing with the waves by the seaside.
The title “Naminami Wanwachakuri” is said to mean “Waves, tickle me.” There’s also a way to play while singing: two people pair up with a cloth, and at a point in the song they turn to face the opposite direction, similar to the game ‘Nabe-nabe Soko-nuke.’
HarikyamakUema Ayano
The dance name “Harikuyamaku” is an Okinawan folk song that everyone sings while dancing kachāshī.
By the way, kachāshī is a dance where you raise both hands and sway your body to a relatively fast tempo—many of you may have experienced it.
This video features vocals by Ayano Uema.
Fūyubemā
This song is an Okinawan hand-play song.
You face the child, have them spread their hands, and while singing, point to each finger one by one—from the thumb to the index finger, middle finger, and little finger.
When you reach the little finger, raise both hands toward yourself, align them left and right, and shake them from the wrists to the rhythm that goes “joro-joro-joro.” It’s a fun song even for adults who don’t know the Okinawan dialect, as it helps them learn it.
Kunigami JintōyōKadekaru Rinshō
This is a duet-style song between a man and a woman set in the nature-rich region of Yanbaru.
At the time, Kunigami was deep in the mountains, so life must have been difficult.
The song carries a message that no matter how harsh the environment or how poor the living conditions, everyone should help one another and cherish their mindset and appearance.