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.
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Classic Songs in the Okinawan Dialect (Uchināguchi) (11–20)
Dynamic RyukyuIkuma Akira
This soul-stirring track by Akira Ikuma masterfully fuses Okinawa’s traditional performing art Eisa with a funky groove.
The lyrics, penned by Daiichi Hirata, open with a prayer to the sea and sky, inspiring listeners and powerfully celebrating people’s dreams and bonds.
With sanshin and drums resounding, the sound makes you feel as if you’re swept up in the frenzy of a festival.
Released in August 2009, the song became familiar as the theme for Orion Beer commercials and gained attention when it was used to cheer on high school baseball teams.
Since then, it has become a staple anthem in the world of sports.
It’s sure to give a fiery push to anyone striving toward their goals.
Ryukyu Love SongMONGOL800
At that time, Okinawa was the only place where ground battles took place.
MONGOL800 is a band with a deep love for Okinawa, and this song expresses feelings toward nature and a passionate stance against war.
The lyrics are shocking, but through MONGOL800’s candid writing, you can feel their desire to never let war happen again.
KizunaORANGE RANGE
A warm message that says our hearts are connected even when we’re apart resonates in this song by ORANGE RANGE.
Like a rainbow stretching across the sky after the rain, its lyrics paint a hope that lies beyond hardship—surely encouraging many listeners.
Released in August 2005, the track touched countless hearts as the theme song for TBS’s Sunday drama “Ima, Ai ni Yukimasu” (Be With You).
Precisely because it was created as the band overcame major changes, its words about the importance of supporting one another carry a special persuasiveness.
When you’re separated from a dear friend or run into a wall, listening to it will surely give you the strength to look ahead.
Why not sing along and reaffirm your bond with each other?
RASEN in OKINAWAAwich, Dakki, OZworld, CHICO CARLITO
This is a single brimming with hometown pride, created by four talented rappers from Okinawa.
Over a sound where the tones of the sanshin blend with hip-hop beats, Awich, Tsubaki, OZworld, and CHICO CARLITO powerfully express their daily lives and pride.
The track was included on the EP “098RADIO vol.1 Hosted by Awich,” released in March 2023, its music video has surpassed 20 million views, and it was performed on Music Station in February 2024.
Their stance of carrying their homeland on their backs as they move toward the future will resonate with anyone who values their roots.
When you need courage to face adversity, listening to this song will surely give you a push forward.
Yasaka LIT feat. CHICO CARLITOOZworld
“Let’s celebrate the future with a feast, not a fight!” This is a positive toast anthem by Okinawa-born rapper OZworld, featuring fellow Okinawan CHICO CARLITO.
True to its title—which fuses a traditional Japanese phrase wishing for prosperity with an Okinawan dialect expression for “cheers”—the song carries a powerful message that shines a light of hope in chaotic times.
Released in May 2025, it was created to commemorate their first Nippon Budokan concert scheduled for October of the same year.
Gather with your closest friends, talk about the future ahead, and this track is guaranteed to lift the mood at any celebration!
Shanghai HoneyORANGE RANGE
It’s a quintessentially Okinawan song.
I chose it because I felt they’d talk like this and trade jokes in this style.
The exchange at the end of the chorus, reminiscent of Dachou Club, really captures Okinawa, doesn’t it? The call-and-response in the outro, which evokes Okinawa, makes this a very memorable track.
Classic Songs in the Okinawan Dialect (Uchinaaguchi) (21–30)
Tears Flowing EndlesslyBEGIN
Rimi Natsukawa’s famous song, Nada Sousou.
Many people have sung it as a cover, right? The BEGIN version is also well-known.
This is the Okinawan dialect version of Nada Sousou.
I feel the sound of the sanshin fits it even more.
