[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 (51–60)
City of DesireTakeuchi Riki
This is the theme song of Namba Money Wars: The King of Minami.
Even if you haven’t seen it, once you hear this song you’ll be captivated by Riki’s badass charm to the point of getting chills and goosebumps.
With his rough, rolling delivery, Riki exudes the presence befitting an emperor.
Even men would fall for him!
Siegfriedmiray
Miray, a former member of SDN48 who is now active as a reggae singer.
This is a track from her mini-album “Jump Pump.” It’s a song overflowing with feelings for a boy she really loves.
Since she writes both the lyrics and the music herself, the way she sings in Osaka dialect can come across as cute or assertive.
Osaka City Streetcar Song
A song with a pleasing seven-five rhythm invites you on a journey through springtime Osaka.
Starting in Umeda, it sings its way through the era’s celebrated spots—Dojima, Shinsaibashi, and on to Tempozan—so vividly that the city’s lively scenes come to life before your eyes.
Don’t you feel the excitement of people swaying along in the streetcars? It’s said this piece was created in 1908 as a PR song for the Osaka Municipal Tramway.
As you listen to its nostalgic melody, you can sense the bustle of the old, beloved “City of Water.”
Hey hey, thanks a bunch—much appreciated!SMAP
Released in 1994 as SMAP’s 12th single.
The lyrics are entirely in Kansai dialect, and the melody section is almost like spoken lines, making it a unique song whose theme is modeled on merchants from Naniwa (Osaka).
It became their first number-one on the Oricon singles chart and was used as an insert song in the SMAP-starring film “Shoot!”.
youTīna Karīna
At first glance, the artist’s name might make you think they’re from overseas, but it’s actually a play on her real name—she’s Rina Tanaka from Ikeda City in Osaka Prefecture.
While Osaka place names don’t appear in the song, the heartfelt wish to be with someone special is sung in Kansai dialect.
The use of a dialect deeply rooted within her conveys the purity of the feelings embedded in this song.
In addition to this track, two other songs have been released as part of her Kansai-dialect love song trilogy: “Akan” and “Shimota.”
