Fukuoka’s folk songs and children’s rhymes: History and sentiments conveyed by the nostalgic melodies of home
In Fukuoka, where rich history and culture thrive, the moving strains of folk songs still flow.
From the current of the Ongagawa River and the canals of Yanagawa to the bustle of Nakasu, the stories woven in this land live on in folk songs passed down through generations.
In this article, we have gathered folk songs, children’s songs, and nursery rhymes born in Fukuoka.
From Tankō-bushi, the soul of coal miners, to Kuroda-bushi, which conveys the pride of samurai—timeless classics that many have heard, even if they weren’t born in Fukuoka.
Wrapped in warm, nostalgic melodies, why not experience the spirit of Fukuoka as painted through music?
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- Fukuoka’s folk songs and children’s rhymes: History and sentiments conveyed by the nostalgic melodies of home
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[Folk Songs and Children's Songs of Fukuoka] The History and Sentiments Conveyed by the Beloved Melodies of Hometown (1–10)
Hakata Dontaku
“Dontaku” comes from the Dutch word “zondag,” meaning holiday or day of rest, which changed in pronunciation to “dontaku.” Around 1897, a lullaby that had been sung in the Osaka area was made more lively and began to be sung during the parade of the Hakata Dontaku festival.
Tsun-nan-go
This is a heartwarming children’s folk song that has been passed down among children in Fukuoka since long ago.
Its origins are said to date back to the Kyōhō famine of 1732, and some say it embodies the spirit of mutual aid shown when children, seeking help, held hands and encouraged one another as they walked.
Knowing this episode makes us feel that we want today’s children to learn this song along with the importance of caring for others.
In childcare settings, it is also cherished at events such as sports days and the moon-viewing festival.
Some people may find that it brings back memories of singing it hand in hand with everyone when they were little.
Dontaku-bayashi
It’s a traditional musical accompaniment from Fukuoka’s Hakata that practically conjures up the sight of people parading while clacking rice paddles.
The lyrics, which wish for children’s healthy growth, convey the town’s warm-hearted blessing for the future.
Rather than existing as a single definitive work, this piece has been lovingly passed down through festival field recordings and the like.
Many of you may have heard its uplifting melody on TV programs covering the lively Hakata Dontaku Port Festival.
It’s a song to listen to when you want to feel the heat of your hometown’s festival and the sentiments woven across generations.
[Fukuoka Folk Songs and Nursery Rhymes] The History and Sentiments Conveyed by the Nostalgic Melodies of Home (11–20)
Kurume Soroban Odori Uta (Kurume Abacus Dance Song)
An urbane and lively ozashiki song born in the geisha district of Kurume City, Fukuoka Prefecture.
Its origin story is uniquely charming: dancers are said to have mimicked loom sounds with the clatter of abacuses.
The lyrics, in the Kurume dialect, vividly portray the subtle allure of a young woman weaving Kurume kasuri and her playful banter with local youths.
The protagonist’s knack for finding joy in everyday life is sure to brighten modern hearts as well.
Widely popularized after the war, this piece is beloved at the annual “Ten Thousand Abacuses Grand Dance” held every August, and it continues to comfort those who yearn for the warmth of their hometown.
Kitakyushu Ondo (Kitakyushu Folk Dance Song)
This is an upbeat, folk-style song that celebrates the birth of Kitakyushu City and sings of hopes for its future.
The lyrics vividly depict everything from industrial symbols like the blast furnaces of the Yahata Steel Works and the Wakato Bridge to the scenery of Mount Sarakura and the bustle of local festivals.
Listening to it feels almost like setting off on a journey around the city.
Released in 1963, around the time the city was founded, and performed by Chiemi Eri, the song may also have served a promotional role for the city.
Some listeners may feel a sense of nostalgia in the hometown scenes sung over the lively festival accompaniment.
Hakata Oiwake
A song that captures the bittersweet feelings of someone setting sail from Hakata Port into the Genkai Sea.
Many will relate to the image of thinking of one’s hometown as it recedes into the distance, while braving the spray of the rough waves.
The cry of plovers echoing forlornly over the night sea seems to speak for the sorrow of parting.
This piece has been lovingly passed down by a local traditional group.
With a quiet, penetrating depth of emotion, it’s a work you’ll want to listen to on nights when you long for home.
Why not press play while thinking of your cherished town and the people you hold dear?
Chikuzen Imayō
This song portrays the bold spirit of Fukuoka domain samurai as shown at a drinking banquet.
In its tale of downing a great cup of sake on a wager for a famed spear, some may feel the pride and unwavering resolve of the warrior class.
It’s also interesting for how it blends a solemn melody inspired by gagaku with the lively rhythms typical of folk songs.
Passed down by renowned singers, it is frequently used in Fukuoka’s tourism promotions and at events connected to the Kuroda family.
It can rightly be called a representative folk song of Fukuoka, playing an important role in conveying the region’s history to the present.