[Song of Osaka] A selection of passionate, warm-hearted Osaka tunes
When you think of songs about Osaka, what tunes come to mind? While traditional local songs have become fewer, there are still many moving classics like Dreams Come True’s “Osaka LOVER” and Masaki Ueda’s “Kanashii Iro Yane.” From songs filled with the determination not to lose to Tokyo, to nostalgic hometown ballads, tracks that name-check local places, and even playful, humorous numbers—there’s a wide variety.
In this article, we’ve carefully selected “songs of Osaka” across a broad range of genres, from enka and kayōkyoku of the ’70s–’80s to recent J-pop.
We present masterpieces brimming with Osaka’s unique warmth and humanity, as well as passionate tales of love.
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[Osaka Songs] A selection of passionate, warm-hearted Osaka tunes (41–50)
NMB48NMB48
The energetic Osaka song “NMB48.” It’s a track released in 2013 by NMB48, the idol group representing Osaka, and it’s included on their first album, “Teppen Totta n de!” If you’re from Kansai, you’ve probably heard it a lot—virtually every spot in Namba makes an appearance.
It’s like a song that introduces both Namba and NMB48.
With so many mentions of great foodie spots, it might even make you hungry (lol).
The lively, playful vibe that’s so NMB48 is a lot of fun, making this a very relatable Osaka anthem.
Chichin-pui-puitakoyaki reinboo
They are a five-member idol group from the Kansai region and a sister group of Momoiro Clover Z.
The lyrics are written by Kenichi Maeyamada, also known as Hyadain, who is from Osaka.
Their songs are unique and uplifting.
A distinctive feature is that many of their singles and other tracks are themed around Kansai and Naniwa.
Ah, Osaka dreamin’ nightHipunoshisumaiku (Dotsuitare Honpo)
It’s a song that also serves as a self-introduction for Dotsuitare Honpo, a unit from the character rap project Hypnosis Mic.
With lyrics by R-Shitei and composition by DJ Matsunaga, you could say it’s a track provided by Creepy Nuts.
There’s a curious feeling, as if a song with a strong Creepy Nuts flavor is being performed by someone else.
As the anthem of the Osaka Division’s representative team, it’s a unique track packed with classic images of Osaka that everyone imagines and plenty of words that strongly evoke Osaka-ness.
Rainy MidosujiŌyō Fifi
Based on an instrumental piece released by The Ventures in June 1971, lyrics and an arrangement were added, and a version sung by Fifi Ouyang was released in September 1971.
As the title suggests, the song is set on Osaka’s Midosuji Avenue, and nearby place names also appear in the lyrics, allowing listeners to imagine where the characters in the song are moving about.
Covered by many artists, it is a sultry piece loved not only as a local-themed song but also as a mood kayō (romantic popular ballad).
Funky VibrationFlower Companyz
This is a song created through a collaboration project with FM802.
It highlights famous spots and local foods in Osaka, almost like speaking on behalf of visiting tourists.
The guitar tone has a crazy, rich thickness—truly the work of a veteran, rock-solid and impressive.