[Song of Osaka] A selection of passionate, warm-hearted Osaka tunes

Shopping BoogieShizuko Kasagi

Shizuko Kasagi – Shopping Boogie (1950)

This is one of Shizuko Kasagi’s signature songs, brightly portraying the everyday lives of ordinary people during Japan’s postwar recovery.

Released in 1950, the boogie-woogie number humorously depicts a housewife out shopping.

It’s a masterpiece born from her collaboration with lyricist-composer Ryoichi Hattori.

The song was also featured in the film “Boogie-Woogie Girl,” and it became beloved for showcasing Kasagi’s distinctive vocals and expressive power.

Because it captures the true-to-life experiences of women amid the turmoil of the postwar era, it’s recommended for those seeking a bit of cheer in daily life or wanting to savor the nostalgic atmosphere of the Showa period.

OSAKA Rainy BluesReika

Reika “OSAKA Rainy Blues” MUSIC VIDEO

Reika, who debuted in 2006 and is known for many moody songs.

Her “OSAKA Rainy Blues” is a must-check, too.

As the title suggests, this track is set in Osaka and sings of a woman’s sorrow after being deceived by a man.

A major feature is that the lyrics are entirely in Osaka dialect, giving it a slightly different vibe from her other songs.

By the way, the coupling track “Tokyo Bolero” depicts a love story set in Tokyo.

It’s also recommended to compare the two.

SO.YA.NEWEST END × YUKI

SO.YA.NA

A unique rap song that puts Kansai dialect front and center.

WEST END×YUKI—comprising Koji Imada, Koji Higashino, and Yukiko Takeuchi—was formed to create an Osaka-dialect version of EAST END×YURI’s “DA.

YO.

NE.” Released in February 1995, the track peaked at No.

6 on the Oricon Weekly Chart, surpassing the original’s No.

7—a notable achievement.

Its lyrics humorously weave in everyday Kansai conversation and relatable “been there” moments, giving it a friendly charm that makes Kansai natives crack a smile.

Highly recommended for those from the Kansai region, anyone fond of Kansai dialect, or listeners who enjoy humorous tracks with a touch of comedy.

Naniwa Love DrizzleHarumi Miyako & Chiaki Oka

Naniwa Koishigure - Chiaki Oka, Harumi Miyako | Osaka Love Drizzle (Osaka Koi Shigure) - Bilingual Japanese-Chinese Subtitles

The 1983 duet enka by Harumi Miyako and Chiaki Oka is a classic that portrays the passion of a man devoted to his art and the woman who supports him, inspired by the marital love of prewar Kamigata rakugo master Shofukutei Harudanji I and his wife, Ohama.

Reaching a peak of No.

3 on the Oricon Weekly Chart and winning the Special Gold Prize at the 25th Japan Record Awards, the piece features a structure in which Oka’s powerful narration and Miyako’s emotionally rich vocals intertwine exquisitely.

It’s a perfect song for those who feel a longing for their hometown or want to experience the bond between husband and wife.

Under the sky of TsutenkakuNEW!Nobue Matsubara

Nobue Matsubara “Under the Sky of Tsutenkaku” MV [Official]

Nobue Matsubara, a skilled vocalist who won numerous newcomer awards with her debut song “Onna no Defune,” has captivated listeners for many years with her lyrical, emotive voice.

Her song “Under the Sky of Tsutenkaku” is set in Osaka, richly portraying the human dramas that unfold beneath the Tsutenkaku Tower.

Thanks to its somehow nostalgic yet bittersweet melody, a warm afterglow lingers once the song ends.

It was also a planned project in which she performed the Best Song of the Song Contest Grand Prix 2025, presented by the Japan Lyricists Association and the Japan Composers Association.

Osaka RainYoshimi Tendo

Osaka Rain

Speaking of Yoshimi Tendo, her works set in her hometown of Osaka are also popular.

“Osaka Rain” is a memorable song with a Latin music flavor.

In terms of genre, it’s classified as kayōkyoku (Japanese pop enka).

As such, it doesn’t feature the intricate kobushi ornamentation typical of enka.

The vocal range isn’t narrow, but it’s not particularly wide either, so if you choose a suitable key, you can fully enjoy singing it at karaoke.

Consider adding it to your repertoire.

Life is like a Naniwa-bushi (a melodramatic ballad).Takashi Hosokawa

Life is like a Naniwa-bushi (a melodramatic ballad).

A classic enka masterpiece that sings of a woman’s life against the backdrop of Showa-era Osaka.

Released as Takashi Hosokawa’s single in August 1984, the song originally appeared in 1976 as a track by Yukiko Ono, but it became widely beloved through Hosokawa’s rendition.

It won the Best Vocal Performance at the 26th Japan Record Awards, and its face-off with Kiyoko Suizenji on NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen also drew attention.

The portrayal of a woman buffeted by love, leaning on the kindness of others yet striving to live earnestly, resonates deeply along with the Naniwabushi-style phrasing.

It’s a perfect song for immersing yourself in the profound emotions of enka.