Donpan-bushi: An Akita folk song passed down and sung by various artists
The Donpan-bushi, where Akita’s traditions live on.
This folk song is characterized by its robust, community-rooted rhythm and distinctive melodic turns, and it’s so captivating that you can’t help but start moving when you hear it.
Its friendly lyrics and snappy beat have crossed prefectural borders, and it’s now loved throughout Japan.
In this article, we introduce performances of Donpan-bushi by a variety of artists.
Enjoy the collaboration between this simple folk song, nurtured by Akita’s climate and culture, and a wide range of musical interpretations.
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Donpan-bushi: An Akita folk song passed down and sung by various artists (21–30)
Yoshiko’s Shamisen DonpanShinsei Ruriko
This is a rendition of the Donpan-bushi sung by Yoshiko Takekawa, who arranged both the lyrics and the melody.
There are many variations of Donpan for different situations, but here it portrays the subtle allure of a girl on the verge of adulthood.
It suits the vibrant Shinsei style very well.
Donpan Bushi sign languageHasegawa Hisako, Chiba Yoshiko
I never imagined it could be made this easy to understand in sign language.
Subtle expressions are broken down into simpler parts to make them clear.
Learning sign language isn’t easy, but I thought it might be good to start from around here by setting it to music.
Tsubasa’s Donpan-bushi Part 2tsubasa
Originally from Akita City, she is active at live houses and events, based in both Akita and Tokyo.
I think she has completely brought the folk song Donpan-bushi into her own world and turned it into an interesting pop piece.
It seems many people dance to Tsubasa’s Donpan, giving the impression that folk music has opened up to younger generations.
Donpan SongLarge DON (large-sized bowl).
The Donpan-bushi really is easy to arrange, and the song itself is pure entertainment.
It can be portrayed beautifully or cheerfully.
I never imagined it would turn into a rice-bowl theme, though.
Still, it doesn’t abandon its basic local pride; it firmly showcases the regional specialties here, too.
The Donpan-bushi in LoveLOVE-C
LOVE-C is a unit of young mothers with children.
The song was created to play when you hit a jackpot on a pachinko machine.
Apparently, it was also used as background music on Gaki no Tsukai.
True to their housewife image, they vent frustrations about their husbands.
It’s originally a cheerful folk song, but they sing it with a lively pop bounce.
Donpan RockYu-Rei
They are a sibling unit of radio personalities Yumin Fujita and Reisha.
Their rock-style arrangements and rock vocals go beyond the folk-song flavor and sound irresistibly upbeat.
Whether kept as a traditional folk song or turned into rock, Donpan seems to be the kind of tune that lifts your spirits the moment it hits your ears.
Donpan-bushiSasandu ongaku
The sasando is a traditional string instrument from Rote Island in Indonesia.
It is said to produce sound by tuning ten strings, and its delicate timbre in the higher register offers a flavor distinct from the cheerful liveliness of donpan.
Performing traditional Japanese pieces on a traditional Indonesian instrument—what a delightful collaboration.