[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 (31–40)
Under the sky of TsutenkakuMatsubara Nobue
Nobue Matsubara, a skilled vocalist who won numerous newcomer awards with her debut song “Onna no Defune,” has captivated listeners for many years with her lyrical, emotive voice.
Her song “Under the Sky of Tsutenkaku” is set in Osaka, richly portraying the human dramas that unfold beneath the Tsutenkaku Tower.
Thanks to its somehow nostalgic yet bittersweet melody, a warm afterglow lingers once the song ends.
It was also a planned project in which she performed the Best Song of the Song Contest Grand Prix 2025, presented by the Japan Lyricists Association and the Japan Composers Association.
Yoko of the Port, Yokohama, YokosukaDaun Taun Bugiugi Bando
This is a song created in anticipation of the 2025 Osaka-Kansai Expo, expressing feelings connected to the event while reflecting on memories of the 1970 Osaka Expo.
Back in 1970, Tatsuo Kamon visited 21 times and collected 64 pins, and he also served as an Expo supporter in various places—experiences that infuse the song with his unique sentiment.
Because it’s written as a parody of Downtown Boogie-Woogie Band’s “Minato no Yoko, Yokohama, Yokosuka,” it carries a strong sense of power and momentum.
It also portrays what Osaka is like, building excitement and enthusiasm for the upcoming Expo.
I don’t know though.Janīzu WEST
It’s a quirky song that captures the charm of Osaka in true Johnny’s WEST style.
Included on their 2022 album “Mixed Juice,” the track spotlights the Kansai phrase “shiran kedo” (“I don’t know though” / “just saying”), and once you hear it, it won’t leave your head.
The Osaka-flavored communication and lyrics—laced with that phrase throughout—are surreal in the best way, while the track and their performance are so cool they’ll give you chills.
The slick rap and strong vocals are also must-hear.
It’s funny yet cool—enjoy that gap as you listen!
Osaka Big River BluesYūkadan
Speaking of representatives of Osaka blues bands, Yukadan is the first that comes to mind.
It’s no exaggeration to say that if you want to get to know Yukadan, you should start with this song.
Some people might hesitate when they hear the label “blues,” but this track is mellow and lets you sway side to side comfortably.
A woman born in OsakaBORO
A song by singer-songwriter BORO, it’s a masterpiece with an overwhelming warmth of humanity—bluesy with a ballad feel.
It almost makes you feel as if you’re being drawn into the protagonist’s world.
It’s a song that fills you with complex emotions—like a sad song, yet also like the premonition of something joyful about to happen.
Even if you weren’t born in Osaka, anyone with a connection to the city might feel a lump in their throat.
It’s a karaoke staple that, really, only people from Osaka can truly sing!
