[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 (71–80)
Naniwa Lucky Boy!!naniwa danshi
This is a song by Naniwa Danshi, a seven-member idol group that just debuted in 2021, featuring a refreshing opening and a lively beat.
They not only have musical talent but are also skilled dancers, and we can expect great strides from them going forward.
The group’s name even appears in the lyrics, making it a track they’re proudly promoting—one that feels like it could spark a new wave of Osaka culture.
All the members are cute boys.
It seems likely that it won’t be long before this becomes established as an anthem of Osaka.
Shin-OsakaGosuperāzu
Released in 2003 as The Gospellers’ 23rd single.
The song was created with the concept of lovers bidding farewell on a Shinkansen platform, and it was used in a Marui “Town Court” commercial.
The music video is story-driven and, matching the song’s setting, depicts lovers reluctantly parting on the platform at Shin-Osaka Station.
Okonomiyaki Funky SoulSoul Powers
It makes you incredibly energized.
You can feel the punch.
Soul Powers is a female gospel group that was selected to perform the image song for Osaka Prefecture.
Their leader, Mama Hoshi, is a Naniwa mother figure who teaches gospel vocalization and conducts choirs.
king (shogi piece)Murata Hideo
Shogi is drawing even more attention thanks to the success of Sota Fujii.
“Osho” is an enka song themed around shogi, modeled on Sankichi Sakata, a player who was active mainly in Osaka.
It was the biggest hit by Murata Hideo, one of the leading singers of the postwar pop scene, released in 1961.
He performed it four times on the Kohaku Uta Gassen.
The song portrays the resolve of players who wage fierce battles at the cost of their very souls, and the unique feelings of a true gambler, imbued with a determination not to lose to Tokyo.
Its lyrics, written in short, simple words, evoke a timeless sense of empathy that resonates in any era.
It’s a classic through which you can feel the heat of Osaka, powered by Murata Hideo’s robust vocals.
Midosuji PlanetYaita Hitomi
It’s a song included on Hitomi Yaida’s sixth original album, “IT’S A NEW DAY,” released in 2006.
Hitomi Yaida is from Toyonaka City in Osaka Prefecture, and the lyrics capture her memories of Osaka’s Midosuji and the feelings she had when she lived in Osaka, her hometown.
Osaka Expokururi
Formed in Kyoto and debuting in 1998, Quruli has been embraced by rock fans across Japan for their delicate yet down-to-earth, literary lyrics and the high quality of their guitar-driven sound.
In this track, bluntly titled “Osaka Expo,” they kick off with sampled news clips and a sound collage from the time, unleashing their love for the Osaka Expo through a freaky, jazz-inflected approach.
Compared to their usual songs, it’s a decidedly experimental and ambitious work.
Osaka is delicious!Mōningu Musume.
A song sung by Aika Mitsui, a former 8th-generation member of Morning Musume, together with Junjun and Linlin, who were also 8th-generation exchange students.
As the title suggests, it’s a parade of delicious Osaka foods.
By the way, it seems Junjun likes bananas.