Popular Okinawan Songs Ranking [2026]

Me for youBEGIN41rank/position

BEGIN / Mee Faai Yu

This song, brimming with BEGIN’s warmth, conveys a heartfelt “thank you” to someone embarking on a new journey.

Titled in the Yaeyama dialect, it rides on the gentle tones of the sanshin, delivering gratitude and cheers for the future that resonate directly with the heart.

Concrete imagery—like the road to the airport—captures the bittersweetness of parting while also portraying the bright, celebratory feeling of a send-off.

Released as a single in February 2007, the track movingly colored the story as the theme song for the film “Koishikute.” It is also included on the album “OKINAWAN FULL ORCHESTRA.” Perfect for moments of farewell—such as graduations or job transfers—it expresses feelings that are hard to put into words.

An ideal song for sharing warmth at just the right moment.

Kariyushi Windkariyushi 5842rank/position

Kariyushi58 “Kariyushi no Kaze”

The band name “Kariyushi” is said to mean “auspicious” in the Okinawan language, and it’s also a word used to pray for safe voyages.

The song, themed around this word that serves as a kind of talisman for the people of Okinawa, was created by vocalist Shingo Maekawa with the desire to write a song everyone can sing together, like “Shima Uta.” Along with a melody that fully conveys an Okinawan atmosphere, the song’s uplifting, encouraging lyrics make it especially appealing.

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Hane Keisuke

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Hello UncleKina Shoukichi43rank/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.

Ittaa anmaa maa kaiga44rank/position

"Ittâ Anmâ Mâkaiga" Okinawan folk song [Sanshin cover] / "Ittâ Anmâ Mâkaiga" [Okinawa Sanshin Music]

A traditional Okinawan children’s song and lullaby that older siblings would sing to their younger brothers or sisters; in the past, it’s said that the older children would sing it while putting infants to sleep or soothing them.

Its gentle melody is perfect for a relaxed lullaby, but there’s also a version covered by MONGOL800 arranged as an intense hardcore number, so it might be fun to compare the two.

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Hirakawa Masako (Bōkarisuto: Sakata Mizumako)

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sunflowerCivilian Skunk45rank/position

Sunflower / Civilian Skunk

CivilianSkunk, a band from Okinawa that has swept numerous competitions and auditions, was formed by four members who met in middle school.

Their single “Himawari,” released on March 20, 2013, features a catchy melody that leaves an impression.

The sanshin in the intro is great, too!

AkamabushiŌshiro Shiban46rank/position

Okinawa Yaeyama Classical Folk Song “Akagama-bushi” (Akanma-bushii) (Honchōshi)

It is said that “Akabamushi” was written and composed in the early 18th century by Oshiro Shiban, an official of Miyara Village.

This song is also known as “Irasanisha,” and it celebrates the joy of a prized horse—one the king had demanded be surrendered—returning to its owner.

“Irasanisha” means “I’m so happy,” and because it is a joyful song, it is often performed at celebratory occasions.

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Hirakawa Masako (Bōkarisuto: Sakata Mizumako)

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Grandma Obaa’s Signature Bomb Hot PotBEGIN47rank/position

Grandma Obaa's Signature Bomb Hot Pot

“Grandma’s Boast: Bomb Hotpot” — the title alone is amusing, isn’t it? I think this song is fun to listen to because it mentions many Okinawan dishes.

The lyrics portray the strength of Okinawan women, who endured hardships during the last war yet still carry themselves with brightness.

Umiya color48rank/position

[Eisa] Umiyakara (Verse) | A Love Story from a Time Before Smartphones and Social Media | Okinawan Song

Okinawan folk song “Umi Yakaraa” is, so to speak, a love song that portrays the passionate romance between a man and a woman.

Among Okinawan folk songs, its relatively simple lyrics are part of its charm.

The story—“I was so absorbed in spending time with my lover that before I knew it, dawn had broken; how am I going to explain this to my parents, who didn’t know?”—feels relatable even to us today! Combined with its expansive melody, it’s also a perfect piece for dancing Eisa.

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Yuuki

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No Woman, No CryDaitōjin49rank/position

No Woman, No Cry / Daito Jin

This is a cover of Bob Marley’s classic “No Woman, No Cry” in Uchināguchi (Okinawan).

The lyrics are completely different from the original and the song has been arranged as an Okinawan piece, which was extremely striking.

It is performed by three princesses from the Daitō Islands.

RASEN in OKINAWAAwich, Dakki, OZworld, CHICO CARLITO50rank/position

Awich, Tsuwaki, OZworld, CHICO CARLITO – RASEN in OKINAWA (Prod. Diego Ave)

This is a single brimming with hometown pride, created by four talented rappers from Okinawa.

Over a sound where the tones of the sanshin blend with hip-hop beats, Awich, Tsubaki, OZworld, and CHICO CARLITO powerfully express their daily lives and pride.

The track was included on the EP “098RADIO vol.1 Hosted by Awich,” released in March 2023, its music video has surpassed 20 million views, and it was performed on Music Station in February 2024.

Their stance of carrying their homeland on their backs as they move toward the future will resonate with anyone who values their roots.

When you need courage to face adversity, listening to this song will surely give you a push forward.