A classic song in the Okinawan dialect, Uchinaaguchi

UtulsanuORANGE RANGE

ORANGE RANGE – Uturusanu

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.

RASEN in OKINAWAAwich, Dakki, OZworld, CHICO CARLITO

Awich, Tsuwaki, OZworld, CHICO CARLITO – RASEN in OKINAWA (Prod. Diego Ave)

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.

National Route 508BEGIN

National Route 508 full

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.

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Murakami Shinpei

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Asadoya YuntaUema Ayano

Asadoya Yunta / Ayano Uema

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.

Ryukyu Love SongMONGOL800

Ryukyu Love Song

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.

Shanghai HoneyORANGE RANGE

ORANGE RANGE Shanghai Honey @ Makuhari Messe LIVE

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.

Tears Flowing EndlesslyBEGIN

BEGIN / Nada Sou Sou (Okinawan language)

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.

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utatane

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