[Akita Songs] A Collection of Gem-Like Local Tunes Filled with Love for Hometowns

Namahage BrothersKatte ni Kankō Kyōkai

[Unofficial Tourism Association] Akita Prefecture Local Song “Namahage Brothers”

This is a song about Namahage from the unit “Katte ni Kanko Kyokai” by Jun Miura and Hajime Anzai.

The wistful melody matches the theme of “Namahage,” doesn’t it? Not only does it portray the Namahage, but it also features many of Akita Prefecture’s famous sights and specialties—another notable point.

The answer to “What is Akita known for?” is encapsulated in this one song.

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Is there any crying child?Takahashi Yuu

Naguko wa inega

Speaking of Akita, the artist that comes to mind is Yu Takahashi, and as the working title suggests—“Akita’s Song” or something along those lines—it’s a track packed with elements of Akita.

“Naku ko wa inega” is Akita dialect meaning “Are there any crying children?” and it’s a phrase used as a kind of chant by the Namahage.

A new dayOshima Kishiko

Takako Ōshima – A New Day (Full Version)

This is a local company’s commercial jingle sung by Takako Oshima, an announcer for Akita Asahi Broadcasting who was born in Tokyo and raised in Akita.

It seems to air in Yamagata Prefecture as well, but most people probably don’t know it.

In short, it’s a jingle known only to people from Akita and Yamagata.

Uppercase GirlReina

Capital Letter Girl – Rena

It’s a love song by the Akita rock band “Reina,” about a bittersweet long-distance relationship between Akita and Kyoto.

Reina’s other songs also mention place names in Akita and have a strong local flavor, so be sure to check them out.

If you’re from the area, it’s guaranteed to hit even harder—especially

Chaotic Donpan-bushiTomokawa Kazuki

Kazuki Tomokawa – Midare Donpan-bushi

This is a song in which Kazuki Tomokawa reconstructs the beloved Akita folk tune “Donpan-bushi” from his own unique perspective.

Included on the album “The Days When I Held a Thousand Cranes in My Mouth,” released in August 1978, the piece brilliantly fuses the fervor of a festival with an avant-garde tension.

While preserving the Akita dialect as is, it sonically renders the bodily sway of intoxicated revelers and the atmosphere of communal gatherings, layering urban loneliness over indigenous rhythms in a striking expression.

It may feel shocking at first, but it’s a must-listen for anyone who wants to enjoy folk music from a fresh angle.

Great AkitaIshii Kan

Great Akita 1

It has four movements and is quite long.

At this point, I’m carried away more by the beauty of the piece than anything specifically about Akita.

“Ooinaru Akita,” which often appears at wind ensemble and choral events in Akita Prefecture, is my favorite—especially the part where it picks up tempo and gets exciting.

Our FutureFujita Yūmin, Watanabe Jun’ya

Theme song of the National Cultural Festival Akita 2014 “Our Future” MV

This is a song that became the theme song for the National Cultural Festival Akita 2014.

The clear vocals by Akita radio DJ Yuumin Fujita and singer-songwriter Junya Watanabe make it a really nice track.

As expected from people who work with their voices, they have great voices.