Popular Okinawan Songs Ranking [2026]

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.