Popular Okinawan Songs: Artist Rankings [2026]

Asadoya YuntaNēnēzu15rank/position

Asadoya Yunta by The NENES

It is a song from Taketomi Town on Ishigaki Island that is famous nationwide.

It is said that the Yui-uta (binding song) became a Yunta, and it is believed to have been linked with songs sung during rice planting done through mutual aid, resulting in Asadoya Yunta.

The lyrics humorously depict interactions between a beautiful woman from Taketomi Island and an official dispatched to Yaeyama by the royal government.

It is also the departure melody at Asato Station on the Okinawa Urban Monorail.

Hello UncleKina Shoukichi16rank/position

Hello Uncle

This was Shoukichi Kina’s debut song, composed when he was in high school.

The lyrics depict an exchange between a “boy (Kina)” and a “man from the neighborhood.” Based on Okinawan folk rhythms and scales, it’s a very bright, danceable piece and a pioneering work of so-called Uchinaa pop.

Child GodNatsukawa Rimi17rank/position

Warabi-gami (Child God) — Rimi Natsukawa

This song portrays the warm, embracing, and generous love of a mother soothing her newborn baby.

There are versions sung in the Okinawan language and in standard Japanese, with Rimi Natsukawa’s version being the most famous.

However, the song originally belongs to Misako Koja, a female singer from Okinawa.

With lyrics by Misako Koja and music by Kazuya Sahara, it was created in 1997.

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Hirakawa Masako (Bōkarisuto: Sakata Mizumako)

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Dynamic RyukyuNarisoko Yūko18rank/position

Dynamic Ryukyu / Yuko Narisoko [Full PV]

This is an Okinawan song sung by Yuko Narusoko, a singer-songwriter from Okinawa Prefecture.

It’s included on her fourth album, “Takara,” released in 2011.

The track is a cover of “Dynamic Ryukyu,” originally created by Akira Ikuma.

Her vocals are gentle yet powerful, and the uplifting, passionate sound leaves a strong impression.

Perfect for when you need a boost.

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Araki Jakkan

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OKINAWA SUMMER STYLEAnly19rank/position

Anly – OKINAWA SUMMER STYLE [Included in Anly’s 2nd album “LOOP,” released on 7/25] @ Odawara, Kanagawa, Japan, 2018.07.16

Singer-songwriter Anly, whose playing style that makes full use of acoustic guitar and a looper has been creating a buzz, is from Okinawa too! While I usually associate her music with a cool, stylish vibe, this song is super catchy and cute! It paints a picture of Okinawa’s summer scenery and a heartwarming love story.

Pay attention to the exhilarating chorus and Anly’s adorable vocals, which feel a bit different from her usual style!

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Hane Keisuke

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Rain falls while the sun is shining.Cocco20rank/position

Cocco – Sun Shining While Rain Falls [Video Clip Short]

This is a song by Cocco, a singer-songwriter from Naha City, Okinawa.

Songs like “Tsuyoku Hakanai Monotachi” and “Jukai no Ito” are memorable for their clear, translucent vocals and profound lyrics.

This track likewise features lyrics brimming with strong emotion, and the recurring phrase “Haiyaiyo” really leaves an impression.

Nirai KanaiMAX21rank/position

MAX / Nirai Kanai

This is a dance-beat track by the four-member female dance unit MAX, featuring Okinawan folk instruments.

The song fuses Eurobeat with accompaniment in the Okinawan scale and the sound of the sanshin, conveying respect for Okinawan music, which is MAX’s roots.

The title “Niraikanai” is an Okinawan word meaning “utopia,” and serves as a hint for how to approach listening to the song.

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Murakami Shinpei

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