From J-pop to folk songs! Popular and classic Okinawan tunes
For those of you looking for songs from Okinawa, this article introduces a wide variety of music related to the islands.
We’ve picked out everything from J-pop themed around Okinawa and Okinawan pops to traditional folk songs that have been passed down for generations.
Okinawan music is so captivating, isn’t it? From instruments like the sanshin and other traditional Japanese instruments to its distinctive vocal style—and that unmistakably Okinawan vibe!
Getting a bit musical here, but Okinawan music often uses a five-note scale known as the Ryukyu scale or the yo-nuki scale, built on the notes do–mi–fa–so–ti–do.
That very resonance of the Ryukyu scale is the secret behind the uniquely Okinawan atmosphere you feel in these songs!
Listen to the tracks we’re about to introduce and soak in the spirit of Okinawa.
Okinawan Songs / Okinawa Songs (1–10)
Must-listen!! Masterpieces that evoke thoughts of Okinawa
Alright, let’s dive right into the song introductions! First, we’ll present 10 classic J‑pop tracks about Okinawa, carefully selected by our editorial team. Many of these songs feature the sanshin or have distinctive Ryukyuan scales. These are the essential Okinawa songs to start with!
Motherkariyushi 58
This song, a signature track by Kariyushi58, a band from Okinawa, has a title that means “mother” in the Okinawan language—you already knew that, right? As the title suggests, vocalist Shingo Maekawa wrote this song to express his gratitude to his mother, and it’s often used not only for Mother’s Day but also in wedding scenes where people want to convey thanks to their moms.
It’s said that Maekawa was quite a bit of a rascal in his younger days, and perhaps it’s precisely because these words come from someone like him that they resonate so deeply.
Island SongTHE BOOM
It’s a song everyone in the country knows.
It was released in 1992 as a track on the album “Adolescence.” When it comes to representative songs that incorporate the Ryukyu scale, this one surely stands out.
You can feel a prayer imbued with anti-war wishes, and a sense that your heart is set free by the richness of folk music and its grand atmosphere.
It’s a timeless masterpiece we’ll want to keep singing and listening to forever.
Islanders’ TreasureBEGIN
This is a classic song released in 2002 by BEGIN, indispensable when talking about Okinawan music.
Higa Eisho’s gentle vocals and the warm melody and instrumentation envelop you with a sense of comfort as you listen.
I heard it was written at the request of a teacher who was a classmate, and it carries the feelings of the island’s children.
The characteristically Okinawan scale, tinged with nostalgia, is wonderful and resonates straight to the heart.
It’s a song I want to keep loving forever.
Voice of the Seaurashima tarō (kiritani kenta)
A smash hit released in 2015 by Kenta Kiritani, also known as Urashima Taro.
You’ve probably heard it in au’s Santaro series commercials.
It’s a song about his feelings for Otohime, and the shamisen together with Kiritani’s powerful yet heartrending vocals really sink in.
Composed by BEGIN’s Masaru Shimabukuro, it features the Ryukyu scale, giving it a distinctly Japanese flavor.
It makes you want to relax by the seaside and listen.
A place to return toHY
This is a hometown song by HY, whose members are all from Okinawa, filled with their feelings for the island.
It really makes you think that Okinawa is such a wonderful place—there are overwhelmingly more people there who cherish their hometown compared to other prefectures.
You can feel the love for Okinawa held by these women who left the island and are thriving in Tokyo, and it’s deeply moving.
The song also features the sanshin and Eisa calls, allowing you to fully feel the atmosphere of Okinawa.
Orion Beer, Okinawa’s prideBEGIN
This song is about Orion Beer, a local brew from Okinawa.
It’s a track by BEGIN, a three-piece acoustic band that represents Okinawa.
It was included on their 2002 mini-album “Begin no Shimauta ~Omoto Takeo 2~.” “Ojii” means grandfather.
You can almost picture the smiling face of a grandpa enjoying his beer.
Child GodNatsukawa Rimi
This song portrays the warm, embracing, and generous love of a mother soothing her newborn baby.
There are versions sung in the Okinawan language and in standard Japanese, with Rimi Natsukawa’s version being the most famous.
However, the song originally belongs to Misako Koja, a female singer from Okinawa.
With lyrics by Misako Koja and music by Kazuya Sahara, it was created in 1997.
Ryukyu Love SongMONGOL800
When it comes to rock bands from Okinawa that are indispensable to today’s rock scene, it has to be MONGOL800! This song, included on their classic 2001 release MESSAGE, carries a wish for anti-war and a hope that everyone can live in peace.
While it’s a strongly rock-flavored track—with heavily distorted guitars and drums pounding out an intense beat—it ultimately comes together as a song that conveys kindness and warmth throughout.
NEVER ENDAmuro Namie
This is a famous song said to have been performed at the 2000 Okinawa Summit at the direct request of then-Prime Minister Obuchi.
It’s not only a song about Okinawa, but a masterpiece delivered on the stage of a summit where world leaders gathered.
It conveys a wish for lasting peace and the sentiment that, although there has been much sorrow and tragedy in the past, our future will continue on.
Flower ~A Flower for Everyone’s Heart~Kina Shoukichi
It’s a famous song that has been covered by many artists, but it was originally written by Okinawan musician Shoukichi Kina.
Many people might not know the title, but I’m sure a lot of listeners will recognize it as soon as they hear the opening, and the chorus is probably familiar to a great many people.
While it carries the feel of traditional Okinawan music, it also incorporates rock and pop elements, resulting in a very approachable sound and a memorable melody!
Okinawan Songs / Okinawa Songs (11–20)
Songs packed with episodes related to Okinawa, too!
We introduced ten classic songs carefully selected by our editorial team. I’m sure many of them were familiar to you. From here on, we’ll continue introducing recommended J-pop related to Okinawa! The songs featured here each have various episodes connected to Okinawa, and we couldn’t cover them all, so if you’re interested, please look them up.