BEGIN's Popular Song Rankings [2026]

Islanders’ TreasureBEGIN1rank/position

BEGIN / “Shimanchu nu Takara” 20th Anniversary MV

On nights when your heart suddenly feels utterly worn out, why not listen to a melody that evokes the vastness of the sea and a gentle, warming breeze? Woven from the thoughts penned by local junior high school students, it brims with tender love and prayers for their hometown.

This song is a single by BEGIN released in May 2002, and it is also included on the classic album “Begin no Shimauta ~Omoto Takeo 2~.” Chosen as the image song for the NHK Okinawa Broadcasting Station’s programming commemorating the 30th anniversary of Okinawa’s reversion to Japan, it has long been cherished.

It’s a piece I especially hope you’ll listen to when daily life has worn your heart thin from trying too hard.

The gentle tones of the sanshin and the embracing vocals will slowly ease your taut nerves.

Orion Beer, Okinawa’s prideBEGIN2rank/position

Eisa (Ojii’s Pride: Orion Beer) Shoryu Festival Drums

BEGIN is a band whose charm lies in songs that blend acoustic blues with J-pop.

They are known for hits like “Nada Sou Sou,” released in 2000, and “Shimanchu nu Takara,” released in 2002.

One of their hidden gems is “Ojii Jiman no Orion Beer,” released in 2003.

Its bouncy rhythm feels great, and the irresistibly bright, beautiful lyrics are perfect for Eisa! If everyone dances while listening to this song, it’s sure to lift your spirits.

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Yuuki

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I miss youBEGIN3rank/position

BEGIN / Longing for you

It’s an extremely famous ballad as the debut single by BEGIN, a band from Ishigaki Island in Okinawa.

Carried by a melody tinged with the scent of the blues, Higa Eisō’s tender yet aching vocals resonate deeply.

The lyrics portray, with painfully real detail, the lingering feelings and overflowing regrets for a lost lover.

Even knowing there’s no going back, he can’t help but search for her traces—this broken-hearted song captures a man’s longing that truly hits home.

Released as a single in March 1990, it was also used in a Nissan commercial and as the theme song for the TV drama “Shin Konjiki Yasha: Hyakunen no Koi.” Celebrated on the show “Ika-ten,” this classic is a perfect pick for a quiet night, sipping a drink alone while reminiscing about past love.

OathBEGIN4rank/position

BEGIN / Oath

With its beautiful piano melody and powerful vocals, this uplifting anthem fuels the resolve to face any hardship.

Even when you feel discouraged by a horizon that seems to recede no matter how far you walk, it conveys in straightforward words the importance of never giving up and continuing toward tomorrow.

Released in August 2004 as a single by BEGIN, the song was used as the ending theme for the summer tradition “Netto Koshien.” If you’re hitting walls on the path to your goal and feel your spirit wavering, this is the song you need to hear.

Listen, and you’ll find yourself thinking, “I’ll give it one more try,” ready to look ahead and take a strong step forward.

Tears Flowing EndlesslyBEGIN5rank/position

Tears Flowing Endlessly – Rimi Natsukawa (Full)

With lyrics by Ryoko Moriyama and composed by BEGIN, this song has now become a piece sung across Japan with thoughts of Okinawa.

Its familiar melody and lyrics about ordinary human emotions—such as sorrow and joy—and precious smiles have encouraged many people.

Rimi Natsukawa’s cover was also a major hit, making it a classic that represents Japan.

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Murakami Shinpei

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Irayoi Tsukiyo BeachBEGIN6rank/position

Irayoi Tsukiyo Beach

BEGIN is a band that beautifully fuses Okinawa’s traditional rhythms with pop, beloved across generations.

First included on the album “USED,” released in October 1995, and re-recorded for the July 2000 album “Begin no Shimauta ~Omoto Takeo~,” this song remains enduringly popular.

It paints a beautiful scene of waves and moonlight, inviting listeners to a warm island festival.

With a mantra-like repeating rhythm that feels good and gets your body moving naturally, the track carries an uplifting energy that makes you want to dance in a circle with everyone.

It’s perfect for Eisa performances at school sports days and athletic festivals.

How about clapping along and having a great time together?

National Route 508BEGIN7rank/position

National Route 508 full

Their love for Okinawa is tremendous—they’re a band that has shared Okinawan music and the brilliance of its culture across Japan.

And it was exclusively in Okinawa that they released this track, “National Route 508.” It makes heavy use of the Okinawan dialect; the songs are sung in words that may sound unfamiliar to most, yet are likely nostalgic to them, offering a captivating sense of Okinawa’s profound allure.

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Murakami Shinpei

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