Popular Okinawan Songs Ranking [2026]

Flower of the sanshinBEGIN36rank/position

BEGIN / Flowers of the Sanshin

A beloved classic by BEGIN, where the gentle tone of the Okinawan traditional instrument, the sanshin, softly touches the heartstrings.

Sparked by a keepsake from a grandfather one had nearly forgotten, the lyrics vividly revive warm family memories and feelings for one’s hometown, leaving a deeply nostalgic impression.

Released in October 2006, this song has remained in many people’s hearts as an insert song for the film “Tears for You” (Nada Sōsō).

Its bittersweet yet powerful melody deepens the emotions we hold for those dear to us.

For those working hard far from home, it will surely bring their family’s faces to mind.

It’s the perfect track for moments when you want to spend some heartwarming time.

Dynamic RyukyuNarisoko Yūko37rank/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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I’ll bring charisma.Shichinin no Karisuma38rank/position

Seven Charisma "Charisma Sabira" MV

This track by the seven charismatic artists humorously reimagines Okinawan music.

Released digitally in March 2025, it is also included on the September album “Charisma Gumbo.” HIROKI and NAOTO from the rock band ORANGE RANGE were involved in the production, resulting in a cheerful song that weaves together traditional Okinawan elements with a modern sound.

Wrapped in a bright, fun vibe, it’s perfect for lifting your spirits or setting the mood at a party!

Sugarcane fieldMoriyama Ryoko39rank/position

Ryoko Moriyama “Sugarcane Field” (from ‘Concert Tour 2007–2008’)

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.

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Hane Keisuke

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Tears Flowing EndlesslyMoriyama Ryoko40rank/position

Ryoko Moriyama “Nada Sou Sou” (from “Concert Tour 2007-2008”)

As an Okinawan song, this piece is extremely famous and a classic covered by many musicians! With lyrics by Ryoko Moriyama and music by BEGIN, the first release was the version sung by Ryoko Moriyama.

Although this song has long been cherished as a graduation song and its lyrics can be interpreted as being about romance, it was actually written with thoughts of Moriyama’s older brother, who passed away at a young age.

It’s a very beautiful, ballad-style song that makes you feel as if your heart is cleansed when you listen to it.

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Hane Keisuke

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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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