[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 (21–30)
Ah... OsakaJunko Kano
This enka song portrays the aching heart of a woman from Tokyo who longs for an Osaka man.
It was released in 2021 by singer Junko Kano, who holds a beautician’s license.
She often performed it during promotional visits to Osaka, and it seems to be a song she feels deeply connected to.
Written and composed by Otohichi Shii, it’s an Osaka-themed number that mentions famous places like Dotonbori and draws you into a mature, sultry romance.
The melody is easy to warm to, and Kano’s husky vocals are incredibly cool, making it a wonderful track that I hope will catch the attention of listeners who don’t usually listen to enka.
I’ve loved you since 1,000 days ago!bud
The bright, bubbly Osaka song “I’ve Loved You Since 1,000 Days Ago!” is the title track from the debut mini-album by Tsubomi, an idol group born from Yoshimoto as a super-funny idol act.
They were called Tsubomi at the time, but changed their name to Tsubomi★Dai-Kakumei in 2019.
The song is packed with famous Osaka spots like Dotonbori and Namba Grand Kagetsu, Kansai dialect, and Osaka-style phrases! It even includes back-and-forth manzai-style banter with tsukkomi, making it a comical and fun track.
The title’s “1,000 days ago” is also a clever play on Sennichimae, a lively Osaka district known for comedy and dining.
[Osaka Songs] A selection of passionate, warm-hearted Osaka tunes (31–40)
I don't know though.Johnny's WEST
It’s a quirky song that captures the charm of Osaka in true Johnny’s WEST style.
Included on their 2022 album “Mixed Juice,” the track spotlights the Kansai phrase “shiran kedo” (“I don’t know though” / “just saying”), and once you hear it, it won’t leave your head.
The Osaka-flavored communication and lyrics—laced with that phrase throughout—are surreal in the best way, while the track and their performance are so cool they’ll give you chills.
The slick rap and strong vocals are also must-hear.
It’s funny yet cool—enjoy that gap as you listen!
Osaka Big River BluesUkadan
Speaking of representatives of Osaka blues bands, Yukadan is the first that comes to mind.
It’s no exaggeration to say that if you want to get to know Yukadan, you should start with this song.
Some people might hesitate when they hear the label “blues,” but this track is mellow and lets you sway side to side comfortably.
Mikuni Stationaiko
This song is set around Mikuni Station on the Hankyu Takarazuka Line and its surrounding area.
Because Mikuni Station is near Osaka Junior College of Music, aiko’s alma mater, the station likely holds many memories for her.
Aside from the title, no specific places are described, but the atmosphere of the location comes through in the lyrics, along with aiko’s affection for Mikuni Station.
By intentionally avoiding concrete place names, the song remains warm and gentle, allowing listeners to map it onto the places that are meaningful to them.
Sōemonchō BluesKatsuji Heiwa and the Dark Horse
A song by Katsuji Heiwa and the Dark Horse, a group that gained popularity with comic songs and mood kayō (romantic ballads).
It was their major-label debut in 1972 and became a huge hit, selling over two million copies.
From Sakai, it gradually spread through cable radio and the neon-lit nightlife districts.
Set in Sōemonchō—one of the entertainment quarters in Minami, known for places like Dōtonbori—the lyrics depict exchanges between a man and a woman and a longing for one’s hometown.
There’s a hint of melancholy in that moment when the lights of such a bustling streetscape go out.
Be sure to listen for Katsuji Heiwa’s rugged vocals and the wonderful lyrics.
It’s a masterpiece where an evocative atmosphere and a beautiful melody are perfectly in harmony.
Osaka sparrowMiyuki Nagai
It was released in 1992 as Miyuki Nagai’s debut single.
Written by lyricist Taka Takashi for his beloved protégé from Osaka, Miyuki Nagai, the song won the Excellence Newcomer Award for Broadcast Music at the 23rd Japan Kayō Awards in 1992.
It also received the Best New Artist award in the Kayō/Enka category at the 34th Japan Record Awards.
It remains one of Miyuki Nagai’s most popular signature songs.