Popular Okinawan Songs: Artist Rankings [2026]

Island SongTHE BOOM1rank/position

Eisa (Ginza Yanagi Festival 2013 – audio replaced)

A four-member rock band, THE BOOM.

Their song “Shima Uta” is an addictive track with a distinctive style that actively incorporates Okinawan scales.

When it was first released in 1992, it was sung in the Ryukyuan dialect as “Shima Uta (Uchinaaguchi Version),” but in 1993 it was rearranged into a standard Japanese version titled “Shima Uta (Original Version).” While the standard Japanese version is the one widely known, if you’re dancing Eisa, using the Uchinaaguchi version might let you experience the local atmosphere more deeply.

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Yuuki

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A place to return toHY2rank/position

A Place to Return: SHINKA Creative Eisa at Senagajima Umikaji Terrace, 2023-05-05

HY’s song, filled with deep love and warmth for their Okinawan homeland, resonates with the heart.

Featured on the album “GLOCAL,” this track blends references to local landmarks and the sound of traditional Eisa drums, serving as an encouraging anthem for those living away from home.

Its lyrics, which gently speak to the feelings everyone raised in Okinawa has for their “mother island” and the importance of returning there, sink deeply into the listener’s heart.

Used as the finale of a school sports day or as accompaniment for an Eisa performance, this piece will leave a warm afterglow in the hearts of all participants.

Voice of the Seaurashima tarō (kiritani kenta)3rank/position

Voice of the Sea, Eisa, Ryukyu Dance Troupe, Shoryu Festival Drums

A warm, folk-style ballad where the sound of the traditional Okinawan instrument sanshin blends with gentle vocals.

While attuning to the many sounds of nature, it tenderly sings of feelings for a loved one.

Composed by BEGIN’s Masaru Shimabukuro with lyrics by au commercial planner Makoto Shinohara, it became a gem of a song that highlights Kenta Kiritani’s strengths.

Released in July 2015 as the theme for au’s “Santaro Series” commercials, it is included on the album “Kanon.” The song won the Excellence Award at the 2016 Japan Record Awards.

Incorporating it into an Eisa performance at a school sports day is sure to create a heartwarming, peaceful atmosphere.

Orion Beer, Okinawa’s prideBEGIN4rank/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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Nakazun Nagare5rank/position

[Okinawan Song] Nakajun Nagari | Sanshin Music Famous in Eisa | With Lyrics

This is a song that gently embraces the spirit of Okinawa.

The warm sound of Uchināguchi and the calm melody blend comfortably, inviting listeners into a world of healing.

Rhythmic yet tinged with nostalgia, its tone evokes Okinawa’s blue seas and white sandy beaches.

Especially when you’re worn out by busy days, why not give this piece a listen? The moment it reaches your ears, there’s a curious charm that seems to lighten the heart.

It’s a perfect recommendation not only for those planning a trip to Okinawa, but also for anyone seeking a small measure of comfort in their daily life.

KizunaORANGE RANGE6rank/position

ORANGE RANGE “Kizuna” MV

A warm message that says our hearts are connected even when we’re apart resonates in this song by ORANGE RANGE.

Like a rainbow stretching across the sky after the rain, its lyrics paint a hope that lies beyond hardship—surely encouraging many listeners.

Released in August 2005, the track touched countless hearts as the theme song for TBS’s Sunday drama “Ima, Ai ni Yukimasu” (Be With You).

Precisely because it was created as the band overcame major changes, its words about the importance of supporting one another carry a special persuasiveness.

When you’re separated from a dear friend or run into a wall, listening to it will surely give you the strength to look ahead.

Why not sing along and reaffirm your bond with each other?

Motherkariyushi 587rank/position

Kariyushi58 “Anma”

This song, a signature track by Kariyushi58, a band from Okinawa, has a title that means “mother” in the Okinawan language—you already knew that, right? As the title suggests, vocalist Shingo Maekawa wrote this song to express his gratitude to his mother, and it’s often used not only for Mother’s Day but also in wedding scenes where people want to convey thanks to their moms.

It’s said that Maekawa was quite a bit of a rascal in his younger days, and perhaps it’s precisely because these words come from someone like him that they resonate so deeply.

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Hane Keisuke

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