[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 (41–50)
Hey hey, thanks a bunch—much appreciated!SMAP
Released in 1994 as SMAP’s 12th single.
The lyrics are entirely in Kansai dialect, and the melody section is almost like spoken lines, making it a unique song whose theme is modeled on merchants from Naniwa (Osaka).
It became their first number-one on the Oricon singles chart and was used as an insert song in the SMAP-starring film “Shoot!”.
Chichin-pui-puiTakoyaki Rainbow
They are a five-member idol group from the Kansai region and a sister group of Momoiro Clover Z.
The lyrics are written by Kenichi Maeyamada, also known as Hyadain, who is from Osaka.
Their songs are unique and uplifting.
A distinctive feature is that many of their singles and other tracks are themed around Kansai and Naniwa.
Naniwa Detective BluesMitsuo Nakatani
Here’s a song that, while a quirky ode to Osaka, exudes genuine craftsmanship: “Naniwa Detective Blues,” the 2009 debut track by Mitsuo Nakaya.
Known as Nakayan, Nakaya-san has the remarkable background of having been a detective with the Osaka Prefectural Police.
He won a competition for contestants aged 50 and over and made his debut.
It’s a blues number that feels like it portrays the way Nakaya-san has lived.
Yasushi Akimoto, who produced the audition, penned the lyrics.
The track even includes snippets that evoke a stakeout, woven into the song itself—and the gap between his gentle speaking voice and his rugged singing voice is absolutely swoon-worthy.
OSAKA BLUESTAK-Z
I’m TAK-Z, a reggae singer from Osaka.
He has well-defined features, but above all, his beautiful voice is soothing to listen to.
Perhaps his ascetic, disciplined lifestyle is why he has such a stunning voice.
I hope he keeps this crystal-clear voice forever.
NMB48NMB48
The energetic Osaka song “NMB48.” It’s a track released in 2013 by NMB48, the idol group representing Osaka, and it’s included on their first album, “Teppen Totta n de!” If you’re from Kansai, you’ve probably heard it a lot—virtually every spot in Namba makes an appearance.
It’s like a song that introduces both Namba and NMB48.
With so many mentions of great foodie spots, it might even make you hungry (lol).
The lively, playful vibe that’s so NMB48 is a lot of fun, making this a very relatable Osaka anthem.
Siegfriedmiray
Miray, a former member of SDN48 who is now active as a reggae singer.
This is a track from her mini-album “Jump Pump.” It’s a song overflowing with feelings for a boy she really loves.
Since she writes both the lyrics and the music herself, the way she sings in Osaka dialect can come across as cute or assertive.
A woman born in OsakaBORO
A song by singer-songwriter BORO, it’s a masterpiece with an overwhelming warmth of humanity—bluesy with a ballad feel.
It almost makes you feel as if you’re being drawn into the protagonist’s world.
It’s a song that fills you with complex emotions—like a sad song, yet also like the premonition of something joyful about to happen.
Even if you weren’t born in Osaka, anyone with a connection to the city might feel a lump in their throat.
It’s a karaoke staple that, really, only people from Osaka can truly sing!