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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- The World of Kagoshima Folk Songs: Traditional Melodies that Carry On the Spirit of the Hometown
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[Fukuoka Folk Songs and Nursery Rhymes] The History and Sentiments Conveyed by the Nostalgic Melodies of Home (11–20)
Lullaby of Itoshima
This is a lullaby from the Itoshima region of Fukuoka Prefecture, sung to soothe babies.
It depicts the gentle scenery of a satoyama where chinquapin nuts softly fall, and listening to it brings a sense of peace.
A parent’s deep love for their child is woven into its simple, tender melody.
It’s perfect not only for putting children to sleep, but also for calming your own heart on a quiet night or when you’re thinking of your hometown.
Why not lend an ear to the gentle, soothing strains of this lullaby?
Kurume Kouta
This piece sings of the gentle scenery of Kurume, a city known for its castle town heritage, and of a heartfelt love for one’s hometown.
The shamisen’s tender melody and the rich harmonies evoke a deep sense of nostalgia in listeners.
When you hear it, you might feel as though you’re strolling through familiar streets—not only in Fukuoka, but in any cherished townscape.
It’s a perfect song for those living away from home to reminisce about the past, or for anyone seeking a moment of peace while connecting with Japan’s original landscapes.
Peach shop, peach shop
This is a traditional children’s song, beloved in Fukuoka and many other places, that evokes old-fashioned scenes of doing laundry.
Treating a cloth as if it were real laundry, the song describes washing it without being outpaced by the river’s current—something that may stir a warm sense of nostalgia in some listeners.
In today’s world, actually “doing laundry in the river” is difficult due to environmental concerns and other issues.
However, by calling out together as a parent and child and reenacting the series of gestures at home—from washing to hanging the laundry—you might come to appreciate the importance of housework and feel grateful for what once seemed like routine laundry done for you.
Bonchi is cute.
“Bonchi” means “boy.” This song, “Bonchi Kawaiya,” is a dance tune and theme song for Hakata Dontaku, loved by the people of Fukuoka.
When it was first composed around the late Meiji period, it had only the first verse; the subsequent verses are said to have been added later.
mottsukibō
A play song from Jonan Ward, Fukuoka City.
Play songs that let you interact closely with children are created and passed down in various dialects across different regions.
This one, “Mokkiribō,” has a laid-back rhythm, so it seems perfect for taking your time and playing while facing your child.
abacus dance
This is a folk song passed down in Kurume City, Fukuoka Prefecture, also known as the “Kurume Weaving Song.” The Chikugo region of Fukuoka was known for its thriving loom weaving.
At drinking parties, local gentlemen would playfully pretend to be weaving girls—tying a tenugui over their heads and slinging on a sash—while clicking abacuses held in both hands, singing and dancing in a humorous, lively manner.
That is the origin of this song.
[Folk Songs and Children's Songs of Fukuoka] The History and Feelings Conveyed by the Beloved Melodies of Home (21–30)
Hakata Kacchiri-bushi
The origins of the Hakata Kacchiri-bushi are not well understood.
One theory says it was sung and danced to during the Bon festival at Tōchō-ji Temple on Mount Nangaku in the Edo period.
It is characterized by a slightly Okinawan folk-song-like atmosphere.
It is said to be often sung at drinking gatherings.