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 (21–30)
Shall we go to Okinawa?sātā andagī
This was a unit that originated from the TV show “Quiz! Hexagon” at the time.
It serves as a promotional image song to encourage tourism in Okinawa.
The lyrics, which convey the appeal of Okinawa’s remote islands, are particularly striking.
It’s a great song to listen to when traveling to the outlying islands.
Golden FlowerNēnēzu
This is an Okinawan music group formed in 1990 under the production of Sadao China.
“Nēnē” means “older sister” in the Okinawan language.
The lineup has changed frequently, and they are currently in their fifth generation.
“Golden Flower” is one of their signature songs.
Okinawan Songs (31–40)
It’s okayji ma ma
This song by jimama, a singer-songwriter from Okinawa, features beautiful piano and orchestral accompaniment.
Her gentle voice offers quiet encouragement when you’re feeling down or going through tough times.
The message, written with the expansive, embracing spirit characteristic of artists from Okinawa, carries compassion that resonates with people across the country, whether they are from Okinawa or not.
Dance, TidusManami
This is a song by Okinawan artist manami.
It was used in a commercial for Orion Beer that aired in Okinawa.
“Tiida” is an Okinawan dialect word meaning “sun.” As the title “Odore Tiida” (“Dance, Sun”) suggests, the song evokes a fresh image of Okinawa—summer sunshine and the sea.
It’s a bright pop number that lifts your spirits and gets you energized.
Delicious OasisIrei Asano
It’s a refreshing song that sings about the dreams and hopes of Okinawan youth! The cute rhythm and vocals carry the pure feelings of children.
Even if your dreams or love fall apart, you can rest at an oasis and face forward again—this kind of encouraging message really resonates.
It’s a track that conveys Asano Irei’s love for Okinawa and even serves as the title for an FM Okinawa program.
It has also been used as a walk-up song by players of the professional baseball team, the Yokohama BayStars, and it conveys the warmth of the Okinawan people.
Give it a listen when you want to soak in the Okinawan vibe or when you need an energy boost!
Okinawa JusticeIN-HI
Okinawa is strongly associated with blue skies and blue seas, but in summer there’s the rainy season and sudden downpours, so there are actually few sunny days.
Precisely because it’s Okinawa, I imagine many people there have had the experience of skipping school on a sunny day to go to the beach and swim.
Uguiutakariyushi 58
This song, whose title means “a song to give” in the Okinawan language, was released by Kariyushi 58 in April 2009.
It carries an encouraging message to a friend striving toward their dreams, with warm, heartfelt lyrics that resonate deeply.
Also chosen as the ending theme for TV Kanagawa’s “MUSIC B.B.,” the track captivates with its unique sound that fuses Okinawan traditional music and rock.
The lyrics, which sing of those who leave their hometowns to chase their dreams and of those who watch over loved ones, convey a universal message that anyone can relate to.
It’s a recommended song for times when you want to feel the bonds of friendship and a longing for home.