[Song of Osaka] A selection of passionate, warm-hearted Osaka tunes
When you think of songs about Osaka, what tunes come to mind? While traditional local songs have become fewer, there are still many moving classics like Dreams Come True’s “Osaka LOVER” and Masaki Ueda’s “Kanashii Iro Yane.” From songs filled with the determination not to lose to Tokyo, to nostalgic hometown ballads, tracks that name-check local places, and even playful, humorous numbers—there’s a wide variety.
In this article, we’ve carefully selected “songs of Osaka” across a broad range of genres, from enka and kayōkyoku of the ’70s–’80s to recent J-pop.
We present masterpieces brimming with Osaka’s unique warmth and humanity, as well as passionate tales of love.
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[Osaka Songs] A selection of passionate, warm-hearted Osaka tunes (61–70)
Okonomiyaki Funky SoulSoul Powers
It makes you incredibly energized.
You can feel the punch.
Soul Powers is a female gospel group that was selected to perform the image song for Osaka Prefecture.
Their leader, Mama Hoshi, is a Naniwa mother figure who teaches gospel vocalization and conducts choirs.
City of DesireRiki Takeuchi
This is the theme song of Namba Money Wars: The King of Minami.
Even if you haven’t seen it, once you hear this song you’ll be captivated by Riki’s badass charm to the point of getting chills and goosebumps.
With his rough, rolling delivery, Riki exudes the presence befitting an emperor.
Even men would fall for him!
Woman of OsakaHitomi Shimatani
It was released in 1999 as Hitomi Shimatani’s debut single.
Conceived for the Kansai TV show “Shinsuke’s Human Mandala,” it is an enka song produced by Shinsuke Shimada, with lyrics by Shimada and music by Takahara Ani.
It debuted at No.
1 on the Oricon enka chart and stands as the song that marks Shimatani’s origins as an artist.
Naniwa CupHiroshi Itsuki
This is a single released by Hiroshi Itsuki in 1986, and the song features Sonezaki, an area in Osaka’s Kita Ward known for its bustling entertainment district.
Centered on themes of alcohol and women, it exemplifies Hiroshi Itsuki’s classic enka style.
It won the Gold Prize at the 28th Japan Record Awards and stands as one of his hit songs.
Osaka TwilightYin Shun Kei
It was released in 1985 as Ginshi Katsura’s debut single.
Sung in the Osaka dialect, the song caught on through cable radio in Osaka and went on to become a nationwide hit, earning her the Newcomer Award at the 19th All Japan Cable Broadcasting Awards.
Despite being her debut song, it has become one of Ginshi Katsura’s signature tracks.
From TenmabashiSayuri Yoshinaga
A single by Sayuri Yoshinaga released in 1965.
Her singing voice is incredibly clear.
Even though nearly 50 years have passed since then, its beauty hasn’t changed.
The B-side coupling track “Nara no Kasugano” became even more famous for a part of its lyrics mentioning deer droppings.
Naniwa Lucky Boy!!Naniwa Danshi
This is a song by Naniwa Danshi, a seven-member idol group that just debuted in 2021, featuring a refreshing opening and a lively beat.
They not only have musical talent but are also skilled dancers, and we can expect great strides from them going forward.
The group’s name even appears in the lyrics, making it a track they’re proudly promoting—one that feels like it could spark a new wave of Osaka culture.
All the members are cute boys.
It seems likely that it won’t be long before this becomes established as an anthem of Osaka.