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 Songs / Okinawa Songs (11–20)
Ryukyu MoonKuninaka Ryōko
This song, which served as the theme for NHK’s morning drama series Churasan 2 set in Okinawa, is sung by Ryoko Kuninaka, who also appeared in the show.
Many of you may remember hearing it frequently on TV at the time.
The soothing sound of the Okinawan sanshin gives the performance a distinctive island flavor, and Kuninaka’s clear, straight-reaching vocals are striking.
The lyrics describe the people of Okinawa.
Reading them, you can really feel the warmth and kindness of the Okinawan people.
Ryuka of PeaceSazan Ōrusutāzu
There are also songs by Southern All Stars that sing about Okinawa.
It’s a track with an Okinawan sound that conveys Keisuke Kuwata’s deep love for Okinawa.
The lyrics address war and Japanese history, carrying Southern’s message of peace.
Although Okinawa is far from the main island, this song reaffirms that we must not forget that it is part of Japan and its history.
Tinsagu FlowersUema Ayano
It is also used as the departure melody at Prefectural Office Station on the Okinawa Urban Monorail.
In the song “Tinsagu nu Hana,” “tinsagu” means balsam (garden balsam), and it is said that in the past, dyeing one’s nails with the juice of this flower warded off evil.
Using the act of dyeing with the balsam flower as a metaphor, the song says you should let your parents’ words dye your heart—that is, listen carefully to your parents’ teachings.
Children in Okinawa are said to grow up hearing this song from a young age; it is a song filled with the hearts of parents and the spirit of Okinawa.
By invoking Okinawa’s nature and everyday life, it conveys its message in a way that seeps into the heart, and its lyrics are deeply moving.
Sugarcane fieldMoriyama Ryoko
This is a piece written and composed by Naohiko Terashima, which later became very famous as a song about Okinawa after being performed by Ryoko Moriyama.
The lyrics portray a young girl whose father died in the Battle of Okinawa during World War II, and she reflects on the father she never met.
The work prompts reflection on the sorrow that lingers in people’s hearts even after the war has ended, and it is known as a song that prays for peace.
While it recounts such sorrowful episodes, it is also a beautiful song that evokes Okinawa’s lovely scenery—the blue sea and sky, and the vast sugarcane fields.
play yardMaekawa Morikata
In the local pronunciation, it’s called “Ashibinaa.” It means a place for village plays and festivals, and it gives off that cheerful mood typical of Okinawan folk music.
It’s a very popular song that’s also used for Eisa performances.
Morikata Maekawa is active both as a singer and as a host, and the catchy elements—lyrics in Uchinaaguchi written with the Okinawan scale and lively call-and-response chants—helped make it a big hit.
Many of you have probably heard it somewhere before.
OKINAWA SUMMER STYLEAnly
Singer-songwriter Anly, whose playing style that makes full use of acoustic guitar and a looper has been creating a buzz, is from Okinawa too! While I usually associate her music with a cool, stylish vibe, this song is super catchy and cute! It paints a picture of Okinawa’s summer scenery and a heartwarming love story.
Pay attention to the exhilarating chorus and Anly’s adorable vocals, which feel a bit different from her usual style!
Okinawan Songs (21–30)
Pay attention to Okinawan pop, too!
How did you like the selection of Okinawa-related songs carefully chosen by our editorial team? There were plenty of tracks filled with hometown love by artists from Okinawa, as well as heartfelt songs about Okinawa by artists who aren’t from there, right? From here, we’ll introduce even more songs about Okinawa! By the way, pop songs that incorporate the flavor of Okinawan folk music are called Okinawan pops, and you’ll find many such tracks among the songs we’re about to introduce!
KizunaORANGE RANGE
ORANGE RANGE is a band from Okinawa that needs no introduction.
Pay attention to the lyrics that only someone from Okinawa could express.
It’s something you’ll definitely want to listen to with friends.
In the music video, their interactions with Okinawan children are striking, and watching it somehow puts you at ease.