[Ryukyuan Music] Folk and Classical Music of the Ryukyu Islands
When it comes to Ryukyuan folk songs, the simple sanshin accompaniment, the drum rhythms, and the distinctive Ryukyuan vocal style really leave an impression! With just a little listening, you can tell it’s traditional Okinawan music—its presence is deeply tied to a culture that has developed in its own unique way.
I’d like to introduce Ryukyuan folk music, which you could say is filled with the roots of Okinawa! I’ll cover a wide range—from songs often called Okinawan pop that incorporate elements of traditional folk music, to the classical repertoire known as Ryukyuan classical music that was performed in the Ryukyu Kingdom.
These are timeless masterpieces that sing of the Ryukyuan spirit passed down for hundreds of years.
- Okinawan folk songs, children’s songs, and nursery rhymes: the heart of our hometown passed down through song.
- [Traditional Performing Arts of Okinawa] A special feature on classic Eisa songs that make you want to dance
- A classic song in the Okinawan dialect, Uchinaaguchi
- Beautiful Folk Songs Passed Down in Miyagi Prefecture: A Collection of Masterpieces that Play the Heart of the Hometown
- Soran Bushi: Compare renditions of this classic folk song by various artists!
- From J-pop to folk songs! Popular and classic Okinawan tunes
- The World of Kagoshima Folk Songs: Traditional Melodies that Carry On the Spirit of the Hometown
- [Japan] A collection of J-pop with a traditional Japanese (wa) vibe and Japanese-style taste
- The Spirit of Japan: A Collection of Famous and Popular Shamisen Pieces
- Traditional Japanese Music: Famous Pieces of Gagaku and Kagura. Recommended Traditional Japanese Music
- Popular Okinawan Songs Ranking [2026]
- Folk songs you’ll want to sing at karaoke: classic and popular tunes everyone can enjoy
- A classic Japanese folk song passed down through generations of acoustic performances
[Ryukyuan Music] Ryukyuan Folk Songs and Classical Music (31–40)
Takeda LullabyIshikawa Yoko
This song was originally a folk song sung in Fushimi, Kyoto, but now it can be considered a nationwide folk song, and it is often sung in Okinawa using the sanshin.
The Okinawan singer Misako Koja is said to perform a version of Takeda Lullaby in the Okinawan dialect as well.
Though the places are different, it seems that the feelings of people burdened with misfortune by history ride on the music and reach our hearts.
In conclusion
We introduced folk songs that sing of the spirit of Ryukyu.
For people in Okinawa, these are tunes you’re probably familiar with in everyday life; for those outside the prefecture, they may feel a bit fresh while still distinctly Okinawan.
In particular, Ryukyuan classical music is packed with Okinawa’s roots, passed down for hundreds of years.
If you’re interested, please be sure to listen to more classical pieces that we couldn’t cover this time.