Popular Okinawan Songs: Artist Rankings [2026]

Hello UncleKina Shōkichi & Chanpurūzu8rank/position

Shoukichi Kina & Champloose – Haisai Ojisan

Shoukichi Kina, known as a pioneer of the genre Uchinaa Pop—which gives Okinawan folk songs a pop arrangement—teamed up with Champuruz, a female group that also performs Uchinaa Pop, to create the very unique song “Haisai Ojisan.” The charm of this song lies in its lyrics, which comically portray the interactions between a certain boy and an older man who lives in the neighborhood.

With its up-tempo, rock ’n’ roll feel, it’s the kind of track that would set your body moving naturally if played for Eisa dancing!

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Yuuki

Report a problem

Milk MunariHii de Katsu9rank/position

[Okinawa LIFE] 2021 Eisa - Ryukyu Koku Matsuri Daiko - Mirukumunari Edition - Special Version - Full

This is a song where Okinawan tradition and rock fuse together.

The lyrics in the Yaeyama dialect and the progressive sound are a perfect match.

Once you hear the drums at the beginning, you’ll feel like you’re already in Okinawa.

The cheerful rhythm and powerful vocals will energize you.

It was released independently in 1993 and made a major-label debut the following year.

Featured in a commercial, it quickly drew widespread attention.

As one of Sunakake Katsumi’s signature songs, it has been included in live sets and remix albums.

If you want to feel the atmosphere of Okinawa or boost your spirits, give it a listen.

You might even enjoy a taste of Okinawa by pairing the music with an Orion Beer you’ve prepared.

Dynamic RyukyuIkuma Akira10rank/position

Dynamic Ryukyu / Akira Ikuma

This soul-stirring track by Akira Ikuma masterfully fuses Okinawa’s traditional performing art Eisa with a funky groove.

The lyrics, penned by Daiichi Hirata, open with a prayer to the sea and sky, inspiring listeners and powerfully celebrating people’s dreams and bonds.

With sanshin and drums resounding, the sound makes you feel as if you’re swept up in the frenzy of a festival.

Released in August 2009, the song became familiar as the theme for Orion Beer commercials and gained attention when it was used to cheer on high school baseball teams.

Since then, it has become a staple anthem in the world of sports.

It’s sure to give a fiery push to anyone striving toward their goals.

Tinsagu FlowersKojya Misako11rank/position

Okinawan Folk Song “Tinsagu nu Hana” Misako Koja

This is a didactic song, used as the departure melody at Kenchomae Station on the Okinawa Urban Monorail, that sings of lessons passed from Okinawan parents to their children.

Okinawan children grow up hearing this song from a young age; it is filled with a parent’s heart and the spirit of Okinawa.

By drawing on examples from Okinawa’s nature and everyday life, it conveys its message in a way that resonates deeply, and its heartfelt lyrics are especially appealing.

play yardMaekawa Morikata12rank/position

Playground - Mamoru Maekawa

Mamoru Maekawa is a singer who specializes in Okinawan folk music.

His 1988 release “Asibinaa” is an easy-to-listen-to track with a light, lively rhythm.

By the way, the title is pronounced “ashibinaa.” Its approachable arrangement, which also resonates with modern pop, makes it a great recommendation even for people who don’t usually listen to Okinawan folk.

I’ve heard it’s popular in karaoke boxes in Okinawa as well, showing how its friendly melody is loved by many.

Since it’s so well-known, it also seems like a good choice for dancing Eisa!

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Yuuki

Report a problem

Thank yourinken bando13rank/position

Rinken Band, thank you.

Rinken Band captivates with their original sound that lets you feel the breeze of Okinawa.

Written and composed by the band’s leader, Rinken Teruya, this work expresses gratitude using Okinawa’s distinctive language.

In the “Okinawan pop” style, which incorporates traditional instruments like the sanshin and island drums, its lively and cheerful melody resonates pleasantly.

Released in May 1993, this song was a pivotal track that led to Rinken Band’s debut.

The lyrics, inspired by everyday life in Okinawa, have the power to speak to the deeper parts of the human heart.

It’s a recommended song for those who want to soak in the feeling of being in Okinawa or simply seek healing.

HeidiZUKAN14rank/position

"Heidi" / ZUKAN

We are ZUKAN, the Happiness Band formed by close friends from Okinawa Prefectural Ginoza High School.

We cherish our hometown, and for our major debut single “Heidi,” we filmed a music video in our local town of Kin together with local children.

As hometown heroes, we’re spreading energy from our community to Okinawa and all across Japan.