Popular Okinawan Songs: Artist Rankings [2026]

Umui UtaKochi78rank/position

Takane Kochihira “Omoi Uta ~ Umui Uta” PV

A song by the musical duo Takane Kochihira and Yasuko Takahashi, who debuted in 2004.

“Umui” in the title refers to a traditional Okinawan song and is a word that means things like “romantic feelings” or “thoughts.” Their powerful vocals evoke the blue skies of Okinawa.

My heart is pounding with excitement.Kochinda Takane79rank/position

Sports Day Eisa: Choreography & Commentary ‘Chimudondon-don’

This work, whose title in the Okinawan dialect means “heart racing” or “feeling excited,” is one of Takane Kochihira’s signature songs in his musical career.

It’s a bright, rhythmic piece that brilliantly fuses elements of Okinawan folk music with pop, featuring an impressive, dynamic melody woven by the sound of the sanshin and a full band.

While honoring Okinawa’s traditional music, its contemporary arrangement brings out a fresh appeal, making it an ideal track for Eisa dances performed at school sports festivals.

ShimochidoriMatsuda Kazutoshi80rank/position

Okinawan folk song / Song from Okinawa Kazutoshi Matsuda — Shimochidori [Okinawa] [Okinawan music]

This is a song based on “Hamachidori,” known from Ryukyuan dance, arranged at an even slower tempo.

It’s a “nasake-uta,” with lyrics that express facets of life such as poignancy and helplessness.

This video features Okinawan folk singer Kazutoshi Matsuda.

Sugarcane fieldMoriyama Ryoko81rank/position

Ryoko Moriyama “Sugarcane Field” (from ‘Concert Tour 2007–2008’)

This is a piece written and composed by Naohiko Terashima, which later became very famous as a song about Okinawa after being performed by Ryoko Moriyama.

The lyrics portray a young girl whose father died in the Battle of Okinawa during World War II, and she reflects on the father she never met.

The work prompts reflection on the sorrow that lingers in people’s hearts even after the war has ended, and it is known as a song that prays for peace.

While it recounts such sorrowful episodes, it is also a beautiful song that evokes Okinawa’s lovely scenery—the blue sea and sky, and the vast sugarcane fields.

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Okinawa Prefectural AnthemOkinawa-ken82rank/position

Song of the People of Okinawa Prefecture – Song of the Okinawa Prefecture

This is the prefectural anthem that symbolizes Okinawa’s new beginning, established on May 15, 1972, the very day of its reversion to the Japanese mainland.

Poet Seiko Miyazato and vocalist Shigeru Shiroma created it, and it was recorded with the Tokyo Mixed Chorus.

The lyrics are imbued throughout with a strong resolve to overcome the trials of war and to pray for peace and prosperity.

Together with imagery quintessentially Okinawan—such as the beautiful sea and deigo blossoms—the structure, which proclaims hope for the future, deeply moves listeners.

As a song that marks the historic moment of reversion, it continues to be cherished and passed down by the people of the prefecture.

DanjukaruyushiTsunami Tsunenori83rank/position

Danju Kariyushi / Koutoku Tsuha

“Danju Kariyushi” is a word used by the people of Okinawa, surrounded by the sea, to pray for the safety of those setting out on voyages—something like a word of spiritual power.

It was believed that by speaking aloud a phrase with the nuance of “This is very auspicious!!,” it would become reality.

The melody starts slowly and gradually speeds up, evoking the image of a ship sailing smoothly.

It is the departure jingle used at Omoromachi Station on the Okinawa Urban Monorail.

Ryukyuan HymnKaisegatou Yutaka84rank/position

Ryukyuan Hymn

Hosei Toyo’s music, where traditional Okinawan sounds and modern elements blend beautifully, captivates with the powerful rhythms of the sanshin and drums and melodies that resonate in the heart.

This piece celebrates the charms of Okinawa and is a familiar tune among locals, used for the prefecture’s tourism promotions and as a theme song for local TV programs.

Incorporating it into a school sports day program will let the energetic drum beats and the dynamic tones of the sanshin further elevate the children’s performance.