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.
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Okinawan folk songs (1–10)
Akata ShuridenNatsukawa Rimi
“Akata Shuri Dunchi,” also known as “Shiyapuu,” is sometimes sung as a hand-play song when soothing children.
This song is famous for the scene in the film “Hotel Hibiscus,” where Seijin Toguchi sings it while playing the sanshin up in a tree.
It is said to be one of the songs performed during Miroku faith festivals in the Akata area, the downtown district of Shuri.
It is also used as the departure melody at Shuri Station on the Okinawa Urban Monorail.
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.
Okinawan folk songs (11–20)
Ichubi measures
This Okinawan folk song is notable for its charming lyrics depicting a woman thinking of a man and visiting him under the pretext of going to pick strawberries.
The word “ichubi,” which carries the meaning of strawberry, is used strikingly, and the appearance of strawberries heightens the sense of cuteness.
The light rhythm is another highlight, making it perfect for use in Eisa.
By adding emphatic calls and responses, the strength of the feelings embedded in the lyrics will likely be emphasized even more.
Nakazun Nagare
There are many standard pieces in Eisa, a traditional folk performing-dance of Okinawa, and “Nakazhoon Nagari” is one of the representative ones.
In the Okinawan dialect, it is pronounced Chunjun Nagari.
Although the lyrics mention Tanabata, this summertime song is often used for Okinawa’s Bon dances.
Dancers offer prayers to the local deities and memorials to their ancestors through the performance, celebrating health, safety, and prosperity.
The celebratory song “Nakazhoon Nagari” is now performed and enjoyed across Japan, even at events like school sports days.
In conclusion
We introduced many songs that let you feel the charm of Okinawa—not only the J-pop you usually hear, but also its roots in classical music and folk songs.
In particular, many J-pop songs about Okinawa deeply convey the artists’ love for the islands.
The Ryukyu scale is especially striking! Try playing C–E–F–G–B–C on the piano; just that will give you a sense of Okinawan musical atmosphere.
There are also more Okinawa-related songs we couldn’t cover this time, so be sure to go explore and find them!