[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 is delicious!Morning Musume
A song sung by Aika Mitsui, a former 8th-generation member of Morning Musume, together with Junjun and Linlin, who were also 8th-generation exchange students.
As the title suggests, it’s a parade of delicious Osaka foods.
By the way, it seems Junjun likes bananas.
Kawachi Otoko-bushiMitsuko Nakamura
This is a single released by Mitsuko Nakamura in 1989, an enka song that incorporates a Kawachi Ondo-style rhythm.
In the Kansai region, it is often used for Bon Odori, and sales increase in the summer.
It is one of Nakamura’s signature songs, having been performed as many as eight times on NHK’s “Kohaku Uta Gassen.”
A man hardened in OsakaTHE BOOM
Released in 1999 as THE BOOM’s 21st single, this song was issued simultaneously with the album “No Control,” which also includes it.
Centered on Osaka, its lyrics feature local specialties and vocalist Kazufumi Miyazawa’s personal experiences.
It’s a crowd-pleaser at live shows and has become a fan favorite.
[Osaka Songs] A selection of passionate, big-hearted Osaka tunes (81–90)
king (shogi piece)Hideo Murata
Shogi is drawing even more attention thanks to the success of Sota Fujii.
“Osho” is an enka song themed around shogi, modeled on Sankichi Sakata, a player who was active mainly in Osaka.
It was the biggest hit by Murata Hideo, one of the leading singers of the postwar pop scene, released in 1961.
He performed it four times on the Kohaku Uta Gassen.
The song portrays the resolve of players who wage fierce battles at the cost of their very souls, and the unique feelings of a true gambler, imbued with a determination not to lose to Tokyo.
Its lyrics, written in short, simple words, evoke a timeless sense of empathy that resonates in any era.
It’s a classic through which you can feel the heat of Osaka, powered by Murata Hideo’s robust vocals.
Osaka Expokururi
Formed in Kyoto and debuting in 1998, Quruli has been embraced by rock fans across Japan for their delicate yet down-to-earth, literary lyrics and the high quality of their guitar-driven sound.
In this track, bluntly titled “Osaka Expo,” they kick off with sampled news clips and a sound collage from the time, unleashing their love for the Osaka Expo through a freaky, jazz-inflected approach.
Compared to their usual songs, it’s a decidedly experimental and ambitious work.
City of RemnantsKiyoshi Hikawa
It was released in 2005 as Kiyoshi Hikawa’s ninth single.
The song, which portrays a man’s heartbreak set in Osaka, won the Grand Prix in the Enka/Kayōkyoku category at the Best Hits Kayōsai 2005.
It also earned Artist of the Year in the Enka/Kayōkyoku category at the 20th Japan Gold Disc Awards.
Tsuki no Hozenji YokochoFujishima Takeo
A longtime Osaka local standard, “Tsuki no Hōzenji Yokocho.” This was a massive 1960 hit by enka singer and Osaka native Taneo Fujishima.
With a melody steeped in wistfulness, it’s a highly narrative song that portrays a chef’s dreams and a love story.
Those who have trained in the culinary arts may find it especially moving.
The song’s setting, Hōzenji Yokocho—one of the most famous entertainment districts in Minami—also appears in many other Osaka songs.
The Kansai-dialect spoken lines, which were unusual at the time, perfectly evoke the flavor of Osaka.
Fujishima’s distinctive vocal style and rugged charm shine through, resonating with a heartfelt longing for his hometown.