[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 (71–80)
Osaka SwallowSayuri Ishikawa
This is a song released by Sayuri Ishikawa in 1986.
It’s beloved as a local-themed song featuring famous Osaka landmarks in its lyrics, such as Yodoyabashi, Hōzenji, and Kita-Shinchi.
Comparing a swallow to the bittersweet feelings of a woman in love, it’s an enka piece in which Sayuri Ishikawa’s gentle, delicate vocals resonate deeply.
Shin-OsakaThe Gospellers
Released in 2003 as The Gospellers’ 23rd single.
The song was created with the concept of lovers bidding farewell on a Shinkansen platform, and it was used in a Marui “Town Court” commercial.
The music video is story-driven and, matching the song’s setting, depicts lovers reluctantly parting on the platform at Shin-Osaka Station.
Midosuji PlanetHitomi Yaida
It’s a song included on Hitomi Yaida’s sixth original album, “IT’S A NEW DAY,” released in 2006.
Hitomi Yaida is from Toyonaka City in Osaka Prefecture, and the lyrics capture her memories of Osaka’s Midosuji and the feelings she had when she lived in Osaka, her hometown.
Osaka Bitter-SweetRikuo
Rikuo sings with a mellow vibe while playing the piano.
It’s the kind of tune that would suit the moments before dawn or a sunrise.
He says he used to listen to songs set in the city when he was younger, and that influence shows now.
It somehow reminds me of “Kanashii Iro Yane,” so it’s a track I want to listen to closely.
Happy OsakaCat Yasha
This is the debut song of the duo unit Yokoyama Entotsu and Yokoyama Minmin.
The coupling track is also a song called “My Hometown Osaka,” and both of them are dyed-in-the-wool Osakans.
The lyrics and music were written by Entotsu, and you can really tell how much he loves Osaka.
Should I head back to Osaka?Shoko
You can really feel the straightforward sincerity of an Osaka woman.
Shoko is from Hirakata.
Her background is impressive: after graduating from Tokyo University of Science, she debuted with this song.
She later represented Japan at the Manila International Music Festival.
She also formed the unit “Shoko & Radish.”
Osaka RomanFrank Nagai
Released in 1966 by Frank Nagai, the song that became a big hit, “Omae ni,” was actually the B-side of this track.
The lyrics are filled with scenes of Osaka, and the Osaka dialect makes it feel even more familiar.
As one of Frank Nagai’s signature songs, it continues to be sung today, especially in Osaka.