![[Song of Osaka] A selection of passionate, warm-hearted Osaka tunes](https://i.ytimg.com/vi_webp/E-DAUGDEeRA/maxresdefault.webp)
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 and warm-hearted Osaka tunes (1–10)
Osaka LoverDREAMS COME TRUE
It was released in 2007 as DREAMS COME TRUE’s 38th single.
The song’s lyrics center on a woman in a long-distance relationship and are written in Osaka dialect.
Composed specifically for Universal Studios Japan’s attraction “Hollywood Dream – The Ride,” it has been widely embraced as a song that cutely showcases Osaka-ben.
The continuation of this EarthKobukuro
This is Kobukuro’s 34th single, chosen as the official theme song for the Osaka-Kansai Expo 2025.
Centered on the theme of “harmonizing technological innovation with the natural environment,” it’s a hopeful track that grandly depicts everything from the season of cherry blossoms to the future of our planet.
With a simple, memorable melody, it sings of expectations for the next generation and the wish for a sustainable society, delivering an uplifting message that resonates: let’s overcome challenging times and move toward a brighter future.
It’s a must-listen not only for those who want to reflect on the Osaka Expo, but also for anyone interested in environmental issues.
Funny Osaka feat. OSAKA ROOTSET-KING
A number packed full of love for Osaka! It’s a single released by ET-KING in April 2025, created as an unofficial support song for Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai.
The straightforward lyrics sung in Kansai dialect blend perfectly with the funky sound produced in collaboration with OSAKA ROOTS.
With their distinctive expressive power, they convey the warmth of the city and the heartfelt kindness of its people.
Overflowing with hometown pride, this track is recommended not only for the people of Osaka but for anyone seeking heartwarming music.
I knew it—I love you.Takajin Yashiki
It was released in 1986 as Takajin Yashiki’s 13th single.
This masterpiece is still loved today as one of his signature songs.
While there are no Osaka place names in the lyrics, the distinctive Osaka dialect and the words expressing Takajin Yashiki’s overflowing feelings for a woman’s heart make it a moving classic.
It’s fine.Ulfuls
This is the 25th single released by Ulfuls in 2003, a memorable work marking the return of bassist John B.
It carries a warm, Osaka-style message: even with failures and worries, just say “Eenen” (“It’s all good”) and laugh them off as you move forward.
It earned overwhelming support in the Kansai region, reaching No.
1 at Tower Records Umeda.
The song was used as the ending theme for NHK’s “Salaryman NEO” and on “Netto Koshien,” and became beloved across generations.
When you’re feeling down after a mistake at work or lost in life, listening to this song will help you relax and smile, thinking, “Well, it’s fine.”
Why not? / Who cares? / It’s all good.Johnny's WEST
The milestone debut single of Johnny’s WEST, who made their CD debut in 2014.
It’s an energetic song that radiates Osaka-style warmth and openness.
Based on “Ee ja nai ka,” it overflows with Kansai dialect and Naniwa spirit, creating a truly festive vibe that’s just the best! The members’ back-and-forth is great too, driving the song forward with unstoppable momentum.
Like the heat born from human connection, it carries boundless power spreading from Naniwa to the world.
It’s got a lively, everyone-can-join atmosphere, so it’s also a top recommendation for karaoke!
Song of the Old Man from KawachiMiss Hanako
This groundbreaking comic song, delivered in rapid-fire Kansai dialect, brought Osaka’s downtown culture to national attention.
Set to a disco-funk groove, it humorously contrasts the rough language of a speaker using Kawachi dialect with his tenderness toward his family.
Released by Nippon Columbia in August 1976, it peaked at No.
5 on the Oricon charts and became a major hit, selling about 800,000 copies.
If you’re from Kansai, its nostalgic Kawachi lilt may remind you of home; even listeners from outside the region can enjoy this lively glimpse into Osaka’s warmhearted culture.