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[Traditional Performing Arts of Okinawa] A special feature on classic Eisa songs that make you want to dance
We’re introducing songs that make you want to dance—both lively picks and timeless classics—perfect for Eisa, the traditional Okinawan summer performance.
Eisa is said to have begun as a dance to see off and welcome ancestral spirits during the Obon season, and nowadays events are held not only in Okinawa but elsewhere as well.
Each song captures the spirit and character of Okinawa, lifting you into a bright, joyful mood.
Give them a listen not only when choosing music for Eisa, but also whenever you want to savor powerful, radiant Okinawan songs that fit beautifully in those settings.
[Traditional Performing Arts of Okinawa] Eisa’s Classic Songs: A Collection of Irresistibly Danceable Tunes (1–10)
Dynamic RyukyuAkira Ikuma
Akira Ikuma is a singer-songwriter from Fukuoka.
His song “Dynamic Ryukyu” was released in 2008 as a single in the unusual format of an Okinawa-only release.
With Okinawan calls like “Ii-yā sā sā” and the sound of drums evoking a distinctly folk-music atmosphere, it’s also uniquely punctuated by an electric guitar solo.
Its avant-garde sound makes you want to start dancing as you listen—truly a perfect track for Eisa.
Tōfun Doi
There’s a famous Ryukyuan folk song that serves as the music for “kachaashii,” a dance where you quickly shake your wrists left and right.
The piece I’m introducing today, “Tōshin Doi,” is essentially the quintessential kachaashii song.
It has also long been loved as a celebratory song performed as the finale in Eisa.
The lyrics, which tell a little story—something like, “Even though a ship has arrived from Tang (China), there’s an older man who doesn’t immediately set off running…”—are a particularly charming aspect of the piece.
Kudaka Manju-shu
Among the Okinawan folk songs sung in Eisa, “Kudaka Manjushu” is especially catchy.
Its call-and-response of “Kuudakaa” and “Surisaa-saa” is distinctive, and once you hear it, that part will stick with you! By the way, the band Parsha Club, known for performing Okinawan music, has a famous band-arranged cover of this song as well.
Its acoustic arrangement without electronic sounds is very pleasant, so give it a listen if you can!
Nakazun Nagare
“Nuchijunnaagari” is pronounced “Chunjun Nagari,” and it’s a traditional Okinawan folk song often used in Eisa performances.
Its appeal lies in an energetic vibe that gradually lifts your spirits as you listen.
The melody employs the distinctive tonal character of Okinawan folk music, giving it an oriental atmosphere you won’t find in other regions.
If you listen to it on a clear day while gazing at the distant sky, the surrounding scenery and the imagery of the song are likely to match beautifully!
Bountiful Harvest Dance
Hounen Ondo has an upbeat ondo rhythm that feels great.
This song is a Ryukyuan folk tune in the “kachaashii” genre, meant to be danced at a fast tempo while shaking your wrists side to side.
Along with Tinsagu nu Hana’s famous counterpart “Tōshin Dōi,” it’s extremely popular in Okinawa! The drum phrases that emphasize the off-beats here and there are striking, giving it a vibe like a rock ’n’ roll version of Okinawan folk music.
It’ll make you want to jump into an Eisa dance!
Suri East-bushi
“Suri Higashi-bushi” is a bright, upbeat piece that’s perfect for Eisa.
“Suri” is a kind of interjection used in Okinawan music, appearing in many traditional songs.
While the tune has a cheerful feel, the lyrics are mysterious and open to various interpretations, giving the song surprising depth.
Incidentally, the character for “east” is read as “agari,” and the title of the song is taken directly from its opening lyrics.
This format is common in Okinawan folk songs, so if you get the chance, try looking for other examples too.
Umiya color
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.