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 homeland passed down in song (41–50)
Katami-bushi
Katami-bushi—sometimes written with the characters meaning “solid/steadfast” (固み節)—is a traditional folk song centered on Okinawa’s main island.
It has been passed down as a celebratory song that expresses the bond between a man and a woman and the vows of marriage, and it is often performed at festive occasions such as weddings.
The lyrics convey congratulatory words for auspicious events and speak of the couple’s ties, offering gentle blessings for their new beginning.
It is also a staple piece for Eisa performances; the steady, unhurried rhythm accompanied by drums conveys the lively atmosphere of a joyous celebration.
Tōfun Doi
Tōshin Doi weaves a distinctly Okinawan melody with the rhythmic sounds of the sanshin.
This song is a folk tune handed down since ancient times in Okinawa, and it is such a popular Ryukyuan folk piece that people say your body starts dancing the moment it plays.
The rapid-fire sanshin feels exhilarating, and the song is performed as a celebratory finale in Eisa.
Its lyrics rejoice in and celebrate the arrival of Chinese trade ships—Tōshin—from the Tang lands with which Okinawa once traded, depicting the excitement of the local people at the time.
Even today, it remains a traditional number performed at banquets and festive occasions.
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.
Flower windmill
“Hana nu Kajimayaa” is pronounced “hananu kajimayaa,” and it’s an Okinawan folk song that seems to depict a windmill turning as it catches the breeze.
Its lyrics convey the gentle winds of Okinawa and the light, whirling motion of the windmill.
When performed for Eisa, it’s standard to raise the tempo and present it together with finger whistling, making the interjected calls sound especially light and lively.
With words said to emulate the tone of the sanshin and phrases that sound like calls to those around, the song also conveys a cheerful, festive atmosphere.
Bountiful Harvest Dance
Hounen Ondo has an upbeat ondo rhythm that feels great.
This song is a Ryukyuan folk tune in the “kachaashii” genre, meant to be danced at a fast tempo while shaking your wrists side to side.
Along with Tinsagu nu Hana’s famous counterpart “Tōshin Dōi,” it’s extremely popular in Okinawa! The drum phrases that emphasize the off-beats here and there are striking, giving it a vibe like a rock ’n’ roll version of Okinawan folk music.
It’ll make you want to jump into an Eisa dance!
play yardMaekawa Morikata
Mamoru Maekawa is a singer who specializes in Okinawan folk music.
His 1988 release “Asibinaa” is an easy-to-listen-to track with a light, lively rhythm.
By the way, the title is pronounced “ashibinaa.” Its approachable arrangement, which also resonates with modern pop, makes it a great recommendation even for people who don’t usually listen to Okinawan folk.
I’ve heard it’s popular in karaoke boxes in Okinawa as well, showing how its friendly melody is loved by many.
Since it’s so well-known, it also seems like a good choice for dancing Eisa!
Chin-nuku jūshīFour Sisters
This is a song played at Miebashi Station on the Okinawa Urban Monorail, themed around nostalgic scenes of Okinawan family life from a slightly earlier time.
The image of an Okinawan evening comes vividly to mind.
In an era when family ties are weakening, the compassion conveyed through this song and its lyrics moves us deeply.