Popular Okinawan Songs: Artist Rankings [2026]
A ranking of popular Okinawan songs and Okinawan artists.
Songs that embody the spirit of Okinawa—featuring the Okinawan scale or highlighting the sound of the sanshin with a tropical atmosphere—as well as hit tracks by popular artists from Okinawa, have made the list.
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- Recent songs sung by male vocalists in Japanese music [2026]
Popular Okinawan Songs: Artist Rankings [2026] (81–90)
Sugarcane fieldMoriyama Ryoko81rank/position
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.
Okinawa Prefectural AnthemOkinawa-ken82rank/position
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” 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
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.
Hana nu Chura ShimaTokeiji Tsutomu85rank/position
A song that warmly celebrates Okinawa’s beautiful nature and culture, resonating with the comforting tones of the sanshin and an upbeat rhythm.
It is a signature work by Tsutomu Tokeshi that superbly fuses traditional Okinawan music with pop, and it is included on the album “Okinawa no Kaze,” released in June 2005.
The track was also chosen as the official campaign song of the Okinawa Convention & Visitors Bureau and has been used in local TV commercials and radio programs, making it highly well-known in Okinawa.
Its gentle mood and powerful beat further illuminate the image of children dancing together in unison.
Futami Love StoryTeruya Chōbin86rank/position
The sorrowful melody tightens my chest.
This song was composed by Mr.
Chobin Teruya while he had evacuated to northern Okinawa during the war.
It is said to be a song for the people of a community called Futami, who accepted him.
Don’t the lyrics remind us of what truly matters?
Annual Events KudokiTeruya Rinsuke87rank/position
This is a pop-style song that sings about Okinawa’s many annual events.
Each event has its own meaning and has been carefully preserved, but young people have trouble remembering them.
It’s a song that lets you enjoyably learn about Okinawa’s traditional events and their meanings to a rhythmic tune.
Nineteen SpringsTabata Yoshio88rank/position
It’s an Okinawan folk song that was also used in the 1999 film “Nabbie’s Love.” The song captures the essence of youth, expressing a tender, youthful crush.
There’s also a cover version by Yoshimi Tendo; hearing it with an enka singing style feels refreshing, and it’s a truly wonderful song.
Hiyamikachi-bushiNoborikawa Seijin89rank/position
“Hiyamikachi” means something like “Alright, let’s fire ourselves up!” It’s a song filled with the desire to rally Okinawa and its people, who were devastated by the Battle of Okinawa.
Today it’s known as a leading example of fast-picked Okinawan folk songs, but it originally had a slow tempo.
During the folk music boom, it seems to have gotten faster and faster.
It’s fun to sing and fun to listen to, making it one of the songs that many beginners on the sanshin aspire to play.
Yui-YuiChimei Sadao90rank/position
An Okinawan folk song that was broadcast and became a hit on the children’s program “Open! Ponkikki.” The repeatedly appearing phrases are so catchy you can’t help but hum along.
The cheerful atmosphere comes through in the singing.
It’s an Okinawan song we’d love for little children to hear.