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 (41–50)
HeidiZUKAN
We are ZUKAN, the Happiness Band formed by close friends from Okinawa Prefectural Ginoza High School.
We cherish our hometown, and for our major debut single “Heidi,” we filmed a music video in our local town of Kin together with local children.
As hometown heroes, we’re spreading energy from our community to Okinawa and all across Japan.
Okinawan Songs / Okinawa Songs (51–60)
No Woman, No CryDaitōjin
This is a cover of Bob Marley’s classic “No Woman, No Cry” in Uchināguchi (Okinawan).
The lyrics are completely different from the original and the song has been arranged as an Okinawan piece, which was extremely striking.
It is performed by three princesses from the Daitō Islands.
Mermaid’s TearsMaehana Yūsuke
The great Meiwa tsunami once struck the Yaeyama Islands.
There is a mermaid legend that has been passed down about the tsunami, which claimed around 10,000 lives.
Using that legend as a motif, Yusuke Maehana composed an original song and sings it so that a message of “reconstruction” will reach from Yaeyama.
I’ll bring charisma.Shichinin no Karisuma
This track by the seven charismatic artists humorously reimagines Okinawan music.
Released digitally in March 2025, it is also included on the September album “Charisma Gumbo.” HIROKI and NAOTO from the rock band ORANGE RANGE were involved in the production, resulting in a cheerful song that weaves together traditional Okinawan elements with a modern sound.
Wrapped in a bright, fun vibe, it’s perfect for lifting your spirits or setting the mood at a party!
LADYfēshi
This is “Lady,” written and composed by the well-known to those in the know, Mr.
Masashi Kinjō.
After it was used in the legendary comedy show that aired on Ryukyu Broadcasting from April 1991 to September 1993, the program’s rising popularity helped the song become a hit within Okinawa.
TeegeeNēnēzu
There is a famous phrase that expresses the temperament of the people of Okinawa: “Nankuru naisa.” It conveys the Okinawan spirit that if you conduct yourself rightly as a person, things will naturally turn out as they should.
This song, which celebrates that heart, is cherished not only by Okinawans but by many people more broadly.
Dynamic Ryukyuderakkusu x derakkusu
This song skillfully blends Okinawan tradition with modern musicality.
It’s a track by the rock band Deluxe×Deluxe, set for release in March 2025, and it covers a work by Akira Ikuma.
The powerful rhythm and passionate melody are striking, and the life-affirming soundscape is deeply moving.
Even those not from Okinawa will likely feel a sense of nostalgia.
It’s a tropical anthem that makes you want to sing along.