Lovely nursery rhymes, folk songs, and children's songs

[Traditional Performing Arts of Okinawa] A special feature on classic Eisa songs that make you want to dance

Pop music writer/editorKEI
A style that keeps updating my favorites while loving mainstream and hit songs. I have experience writing articles for outlets like Utaten. Since I discovered music as a student, I’ve mainly listened to Japanese and Korean pop. 2000s J-POP and 2010s K-POP were my youth, and I’m also loosely into jazz and R&B. I enjoy good music across genres with a “good is good” mindset. Thanks to my past work environment (and its influence), I listened to a lot of classic rock and kayōkyoku, which may have broadened my tastes. At RAG MUSIC, I mainly cover K-POP. I focus on reviews that emphasize feelings people can relate to, and on editing aligned with local pride and hit potential. Thank you!

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.

[Okinawan Traditional Performing Arts] Eisa Classics: A Special Feature on Songs That Make You Want to Dance (21–30)

Mami and Toma styleYaeyama folk song

“Kohama-bushi / Mami Toma-bushi” by Isamu Asato <Okinawa Izakaya Kodama> (2018)

Mami and Toma Bushi Yaeyama Folk Song

With the sanshin’s richly expressive melody and graceful rhythms, Yaeyama folk songs soothe the soul.

Woven from the island’s unhurried flow of time, its abundant nature, and the lives of its people, these beautiful melodies evoke a quiet sense of wonder.

Interlacing emotive sounds with dynamic drum rhythms, this piece is sure to add extra brilliance to the children’s Eisa performance at a school sports day.

Through performing Eisa together as one, everyone can truly experience the splendor of Okinawa’s traditional culture.

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Hana nu Chura ShimaTsutomu Tokeshi

Yusuke Hontake LIVE in Osaka: Hana nu Chura Shima

Hana Nu Churashima Tokeji Tsutomu

A song that warmly celebrates Okinawa’s beautiful nature and culture, resonating with the comforting tones of the sanshin and an upbeat rhythm.

It is a signature work by Tsutomu Tokeshi that superbly fuses traditional Okinawan music with pop, and it is included on the album “Okinawa no Kaze,” released in June 2005.

The track was also chosen as the official campaign song of the Okinawa Convention & Visitors Bureau and has been used in local TV commercials and radio programs, making it highly well-known in Okinawa.

Its gentle mood and powerful beat further illuminate the image of children dancing together in unison.

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[Traditional Performing Arts of Okinawa] Eisa Standard Songs: A Special Feature on Tunes That Make You Want to Dance (31–40)

Tears Flowing EndlesslyRimi Natsukawa

I tried dancing to ‘Nada Sou Sou’ (Rimi Natsukawa)❣️ #CreativeEisa #NadaSousou

Tears for You by Rimi Natsukawa

A signature song of Rimi Natsukawa whose title, in the Okinawan dialect, means “tears falling in drops.” Ryoko Moriyama wrote the lyrics in memory of her late brother, and BEGIN composed the music.

Wrapped in gentle words and melody, the song conveys gratitude and prayers to cherished people preserved in beloved old albums.

Recorded in March 2001, it remained on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart for a total of 157 weeks and won the Gold Prize at the 44th Japan Record Awards in 2002.

In 2006, it was chosen as the theme song for a film starring Satoshi Tsumabuki and Masami Nagasawa, commemorating TBS Television’s 50th anniversary.

It can also be used for Eisa performances at school sports festivals to share Okinawa’s culture and the feelings of its people.

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In conclusion

We introduced classic Eisa songs—irresistibly danceable tracks perfect for different scenes.

Did you find the song you were looking for, or discover one that caught your interest? Each track captures the atmosphere of Okinawa and is sure to lift your spirits.

They’re great not only for Eisa performances but also for those times when you want to enjoy that bright, cheerful vibe—so take your time and give them a listen.