A classic song in the Okinawan dialect, Uchinaaguchi
We invite you into the world of songs in Uchināguchi, where the spirit of Okinawa lives on.
The dialect vocals, nestled against the gentle tones of the sanshin, evoke emerald-green seas, white sandy beaches, and even the salty breeze.
From BEGIN and HY to Kariyushi58, the many gemlike masterpieces crafted by artists Okinawa is proud of offer a one-of-a-kind musical experience where nostalgia and novelty blend together.
We’ll introduce you to many wonderful songs filled with Okinawa’s history and deep local love.
Sit back and enjoy a heartwarming moment—like setting off on a sonic journey around the islands of Okinawa.
- [Traditional Performing Arts of Okinawa] A special feature on classic Eisa songs that make you want to dance
- Okinawan folk songs, children’s songs, and nursery rhymes: the heart of our hometown passed down through song.
- From J-pop to folk songs! Popular and classic Okinawan tunes
- Popular Okinawan Songs Ranking [2026]
- [Tearjerker] Songs that make your heart tremble with tears & moving tracks with lyrics that touch the soul
- Popular Okinawan Songs: Artist Rankings [2026]
- [Unrequited Love] Heart-wrenching Love Songs | A Roundup of Tear-Inducing Crush and Breakup Tracks
- [Touching the Heart] Timeless Ballad Masterpieces. A Collection of Unfading Classics and the Latest Songs [2026]
- Get pumped with kids’ favorite songs! A memorable collection of classics that will make you want to sing along
- [Ryukyuan Music] Folk and Classical Music of the Ryukyu Islands
- A gentle song. A classic that calms the heart. A song that makes you feel kind.
- [Local Songs] Recommended tracks packed with Japan’s nationwide classics and hometown pride
- [I Want Healing] Songs That Bring a Sense of Calm: Heartwarming Masterpieces of Japanese Music
Uchināguchi classics from Okinawan dialect (1–10)
Islanders’ TreasureBEGIN
This is the 23rd single by BEGIN, an acoustic band of three members from Ishigaki City, Okinawa Prefecture, released on May 22, 2002.
The lyrics were written with reference to Ishigaki Junior High School students’ feelings for their island.
It’s a song I hope many people will listen to for its wonderful lyrics.
Bye-bye, OkinawaNēnēzu
This is a signature song by an Okinawan music group formed in 1990.
Nenes, captivating with their harmonized vocals and dressed in historical Okinawan attire—kimono in a bingata style—blend modern lyrics with Okinawan music beautifully, making it a joy to listen to!
OKIDOKI feat.CHOUJI,Grace AimiBig Knot Records
It’s a warm, uplifting track where Okinawan tradition and the present day intersect comfortably.
The performers are rapper CHOUJI and singer Grace Aimi.
Built on the gentle melodies of Okinawan folk music, the interplay of sprightly rap and soaring vocals conveys the joy of passing culture down across generations.
Its sound is both new and nostalgic, and it’s impossible not to feel your spirits lift.
Released in September 2023, the song even reached No.
2 on the charts in New Zealand, beyond Japan.
Put it on while driving along Okinawa’s beautiful coast, and you might just see emerald-green scenery rise vividly in your mind’s eye.
Classic Songs in the Okinawan Dialect (Uchināguchi) (11–20)
Asadoya YuntaUema Ayano
It is one of Okinawa’s most famous folk songs.
Ayano Uema has a singing voice that resonates with people of the current generation.
The distinctive sounds of Okinawan folk music make it a song that brings Okinawa to mind no matter how far away you are.
As a folk song, many people perform it, but Ayano Uema’s voice is pleasant, refreshing, and very easy to listen to.
UtulsanuORANGE RANGE
It’s a song by ORANGE RANGE, a rock band from Okinawa Prefecture.
They’re famous for many hit songs like “Locolotion,” “Hana,” and “Shanghai Honey.” The title “Utulusanu” is said to mean “something scary.” So the lyrics have a bit of a horror vibe to them.
National Route 508BEGIN
Their love for Okinawa is tremendous—they’re a band that has shared Okinawan music and the brilliance of its culture across Japan.
And it was exclusively in Okinawa that they released this track, “National Route 508.” It makes heavy use of the Okinawan dialect; the songs are sung in words that may sound unfamiliar to most, yet are likely nostalgic to them, offering a captivating sense of Okinawa’s profound allure.
Tinsagu FlowersNatsukawa Rimi
This is a famous song covered by Rimi Natsukawa, originally a traditional didactic song from Okinawa.
It sings about cherishing and engraving in one’s heart the words received from one’s parents, overlaying that sentiment with the image of dyeing one’s nails with balsam flower petals.
Rimi Natsukawa’s crystal-clear, endlessly pure voice and the simple tones of the sanshin cleanse the heart—this is a tender, deeply moving piece filled with compassion.
The song was included on the album “Okinawa Uta ~Feeling the Ryukyu Breeze~,” released in November 2009, and was also selected as a beloved song of the people of Okinawa Prefecture.
It’s said to be familiar as the station melody for the Yui Rail as well.
The love and wisdom passed down across generations warms the heart before you know it.