Akita Ondo: The Heart of Japan Passed Down in Song

Akita Ondo (Akita Side) / Little Jordan & The ObeyconsRitoru Jōdan & Ji Obeikonzu

Akita Ondo (Akita Side) / Little Jordan & The Obeycons

This is a song that was featured on an old late-night program on FM Tokyo called ‘FM Super Mixture: World Hit Chart.’ It doesn’t sound like folk music at all.

It has a cool finish, like a rap song by an overseas artist.

Kazuki Tomokawa – Akita Rantō OndoTomokawa Kazuki

Kazuki Tomokawa – Akita Rantcho Ondo

The accent is so strong I can’t even make it out.

It doesn’t even sound like Japanese anymore (lol).

Tomokawa is also from Akita, the real heartland.

Besides his singing career, he’s active in various fields like being a horse racing commentator and a painter.

Maybe because he’s so sensitive, his other songs have a really distinctive vibe.

Junko Sakurada Akita OndoSakurada Junko

Junko Sakurada - Akita Ondo

The video is only 30 seconds long, but young Junko Sakurada is so cute and hasn’t faded at all! I didn’t know she was from Akita.

She returned to show business a few years ago, but then took a break—it seems a bit complicated, but I hope she keeps doing her best.

Akita Ondo [Masanori Tsubaki, Kazuyuki Yabuki, Kazuhito Yabuki, Rika Sato, Hiroki Hashimoto] @ Ichi to KyūTsubaki Masanori, Yabuki Kazuyuki, Yabuki Kazuhito, Satō Rika, Hashimoto Daiki

Akita Ondo [Masanori Tsubaki, Kazuyuki Yabuki, Kazuhito Yabuki, Rika Sato, Hiroki Hashimoto] @ Ichi to Kyū

They’re performing live vocals at a restaurant, and I was overwhelmed by the power of the singing.

The strong, straightforward voice was wonderful.

On top of that, the sound of the Japanese taiko drums really stands out, so overall it becomes a lively, very bright, and splendidly festive rendition of the Akita Ondo.

Yuzawa Minami Sakatake Taiko Drum Troupe · Akita OndoYuzawa Minake Satake Daiko

Yuzawa Minami Sakatake Taiko Drum Troupe · Akita Ondo

This video truly showcases authentic Akita Ondo.

Performed only with drums and flute, the Akita Ondo sung at festivals is simply the best! You can really feel the unique local atmosphere.

Its sound has a nostalgic quality that resonates.

Akita Ondo / Nanohana Orchestra 05Nanohana Gakudan 05

Akita Ondo / Nanohana Orchestra 05

I thought the accompaniment of acoustic guitar and synthesizer meant it would be sung in a folky style, but the female vocalist sings almost like a shout.

Still, she’s really good! It felt like my image of the Akita Ondo was turned on its head—I discovered something new.

I’d love to hear the full version.

Yurika Nishide Akita OndoNishide Yurika

Yurika Nishide - Akita Ondo

They have a distinctive, bright, high-pitched voice that sounds great.

The rhythm is excellent, with such a fun tempo that you can’t help but hum along.

And since Ms.

Nishide herself seems to be enjoying singing, it feels really good to listen! I hope you’ll keep singing the Akita Ondo from now on.