Okinawan folk songs, children’s songs, and nursery rhymes: the heart of our hometown passed down through song.
Doesn’t Okinawan music have a unique vibe that many people love?
In Okinawa, a distinct culture has been nurtured over a long period of time.
As a result, the unique resonance of the Ryukyuan scale combined with lyrics in the Okinawan dialect gives the music a charm unlike any other.
In this article, we’ll introduce plenty of folk songs and children’s songs that have been passed down from adults to children for generations in Okinawan music.
Listen to the songs we’re about to share, and carry on the spirit of Okinawa in song yourself.
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Okinawan folk songs, children's songs, and nursery rhymes: The heart of our homeland passed down in song (41–50)
Tenyo-bushi
There are many traditional Okinawan music pieces used in dances like Eisa, as well as in celebrations and festivals.
“Tenyo-bushi” is also a traditional song that has long been sung, played, and loved by people of all ages.
The lyrics vary slightly by region, which reflects the unique character of each area.
Okinawan folk music features a range of melodic styles, tempos, and themes.
“Tenyo-bushi” is a classic Eisa number performed during the summer Obon season in July and August, when people eagerly await the visit of their ancestors and pray for their families’ health and prosperity.
It has long been danced as a Bon Odori to the light, lively sound of the sanshin.
Tōfun Doi
Tōshin Doi weaves a distinctly Okinawan melody with the rhythmic sounds of the sanshin.
This song is a folk tune handed down since ancient times in Okinawa, and it is such a popular Ryukyuan folk piece that people say your body starts dancing the moment it plays.
The rapid-fire sanshin feels exhilarating, and the song is performed as a celebratory finale in Eisa.
Its lyrics rejoice in and celebrate the arrival of Chinese trade ships—Tōshin—from the Tang lands with which Okinawa once traded, depicting the excitement of the local people at the time.
Even today, it remains a traditional number performed at banquets and festive occasions.
Asadoya Yunta
Asadoya Yunta is a traditional Okinawan folk song passed down since ancient times.
It’s pronounced “Asadoya Yunta” and originates from Taketomi Island in the Yaeyama Islands of Okinawa Prefecture.
A yunta is a type of work song sung during tasks like rice planting, characterized by men and women calling out powerfully while working.
The lyrics depict the exchange between Asadoya Kumaya, a peerless beauty from the Ryukyu Kingdom era, and an official who fell in love with her at first sight.
Since its release in 1934, it has enjoyed popularity as a representative song of Okinawa and continues to be covered by many artists today.
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.
Flower windmill
“Hana nu Kajimayaa” is pronounced “hananu kajimayaa,” and it’s an Okinawan folk song that seems to depict a windmill turning as it catches the breeze.
Its lyrics convey the gentle winds of Okinawa and the light, whirling motion of the windmill.
When performed for Eisa, it’s standard to raise the tempo and present it together with finger whistling, making the interjected calls sound especially light and lively.
With words said to emulate the tone of the sanshin and phrases that sound like calls to those around, the song also conveys a cheerful, festive atmosphere.
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!
play yardMorikata Maekawa
Mamoru Maekawa is a singer who specializes in Okinawan folk music.
His 1988 release “Asibinaa” is an easy-to-listen-to track with a light, lively rhythm.
By the way, the title is pronounced “ashibinaa.” Its approachable arrangement, which also resonates with modern pop, makes it a great recommendation even for people who don’t usually listen to Okinawan folk.
I’ve heard it’s popular in karaoke boxes in Okinawa as well, showing how its friendly melody is loved by many.
Since it’s so well-known, it also seems like a good choice for dancing Eisa!