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 (Uchinaaguchi) (21–30)
Chonchon Kijimunaa
The author is unknown; it’s an Okinawan folk song.
The “Kijimuna” mentioned in the title is a legendary creature spoken of in Okinawa.
It’s a very popular song in Okinawa, so many singers have performed it, and new pieces based on this song have been created.
grandmaShimoge Isamu
This is a song by Isamu Shimoji, a singer-songwriter based in Okinawa.
The entire song is written in the Okinawan dialect.
The title “Obaa” means “grandmother” in Okinawan.
His beautiful, gentle singing voice is so moving that you’ll feel like you’re about to cry as you listen.
Chinese ship, hey!
In Okinawa, there is a dance called kachāshī, performed while singing at celebratory occasions.
Among kachāshī songs, “Tōshin Dōi” is the most popular Ryukyuan folk tune.
It’s a well-known song in Okinawa, and THE BOOM—famous for “Shima Uta”—has also performed it.
Okinawan People User Guideponī tēru ribon
This is the Okinawan version of Kana Nishino’s famous song “Torisetsu.” It’s performed by the music duo Ponytail Ribbons.
Just a change in language can completely transform the impression, can’t it? If you’re from Okinawa, it might resonate with you even more than the original.
Irayoi Tsukiyo BeachOshima Yasukatsu
This is an Okinawan song that evokes a sense of nostalgia.
It’s sung by Yasukatsu Oshima, a singer from Ishigaki Island in Okinawa Prefecture.
It was included on the 1993 album “Kitakaze Minamikaze” (“North Wind, South Wind”).
He was a high school classmate of BEGIN, one of Okinawa’s most renowned bands.
Through that connection, Higa Eisho handled the composition.
Kaze no DonanNishidomari Shigemasa
That powerful singing voice really moves you, doesn’t it? This is a song by Shigemasa Nishidomari, a musician from Yonaguni Island.
It was released in 1995 as his debut single.
The lyrics are rough yet deeply affecting—that’s their charm.
It’s a masterpiece you’ll want to listen to carefully.
Beyond the seaPāshakurabu
They are a band from Okinawa formed in 1993.
They’re deeply rooted in the local community, even being featured in an Orion Beer commercial.
Their songs, which blend Okinawan music with genres like rock, reggae, and jazz, are really cool! Their lyrics also vividly capture Okinawa’s beautiful scenery.