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Songs in Hakata Dialect That Resonate With the Heart | A Complete Introduction to Local Hakata Songs and Fukuoka-Related Tunes

“Whatcha up to?” “You betcha!” The heartwarming lilt of Hakata dialect takes on new charm when it meets music.

Did you know its appeal shines across genres from hip-hop and idol songs to rock and local anthems? In this article, we’ll introduce standout songs in Hakata dialect by a variety of performers, from local idols to nationally renowned artists.

You’re sure to be captivated by the world woven from its distinctive turns of phrase and music.

Songs in Hakata Dialect That Touch the Heart: A Comprehensive Introduction to Hakata Local Songs and Fukuoka-Related Tunes (21–30)

Bonchi, how cute!Hakata Dontaku

Song of Hakata Dontaku Bonchi Kawaii (Dontaku Festival Music) Hakata Dontaku Port Festival Grand Dance @ Main Festival Stage
Bonchi, how cute!Hakata Dontaku

The Hakata Dontaku song “Bonchi Kawaiya” has long been beloved as the dance song and theme song of Hakata Dontaku, performed in the Hakata Dontaku parade and the grand group dance.

It is said to be an adaptation in Hakata of a Edo-period word-chain song, with the composer attributed to Heihei Kawaharada, a Hakata merchant from the Meiji era.

It is apparently also sung across the sea in Shimonoseki.

Radio Calisthenics No. 1Komatsu Rika

Radio Calisthenics No. 1, Hakata dialect
Radio Calisthenics No. 1Komatsu Rika

Have you heard that the dialect versions of Radio Taiso are trending? There are versions in dialects from all over Japan, and this one is the Hakata-ben version.

As you listen to the different dialect versions, it kind of feels like you’re traveling around the country—what a great deal of a song.

Compared to the standard Japanese version, it’s easier to catch the meanings of the words, which makes it more fun, doesn’t it?

Songs in Hakata Dialect That Resonate with the Heart | A Comprehensive Introduction to Local Songs of Hakata and Fukuoka-Related Songs (31–40)

Because I like you.HKT48

[Full HD] HKT48 I Like You (2014.01.01 New Year’s Day Performance)
Because I like you.HKT48

HKT48 sings the Hakata dialect version of AKB48’s “Kimi no Koto ga Suki Dakara.” Many men seem to find it really appealing when women sing in dialect, and even if you don’t fully understand the words, you can still enjoy the vibe.

By the way, NMB48 sings the Osaka dialect version titled “Kimi no Koto ga Suki Yanen.”

Japan Hakata Chemical Grand StrategyHR

HR “Japan Hakata-ka Grand Strategy” [MV] Official Full
Japan Hakata Chemical Grand StrategyHR

HR was a Japanese female idol group that was active mainly in the Kyushu region.

Based in Fukuoka City, Fukuoka Prefecture, they opened their theater on August 14, 2010, and performed at their dedicated venue in the city until November 27, 2016.

However, they reportedly ceased activities as of August 5, 2018.

Yahoo!Ibu Sarasa

Ib SaraSa is a thoroughbred: her father is singer-songwriter Yosui Inoue and her mother is singer Seri Ishikawa.

From the feel of the song, I suspected as much, and as expected, it was composed by Yosui Inoue.

In the promotional video, Hakata Hanamaru-Daikichi, who guest-star in the spoken parts of the track, appear and show their passionate love for Hakata.

Orie’s SongYamazaki Hako

This is a song by Hako Yamasaki, a female singer-songwriter from Oita Prefecture.

It was released in 1981.

It’s a heart-wrenching masterpiece that conveys the feelings of a tragic love—wanting to meet someone dearly.

People living in Fukuoka Prefecture will recognize familiar place names and rivers in the lyrics.

West Home TownKAN

Adult Band 2014 Winter — West Home Town
West Home TownKAN

This song, “West Home Town,” is included on KAN’s 10th album and was released in 1994.

It’s a piece inspired by KAN’s hometown, Fukuoka Prefecture, incorporating local dialect into the lyrics to create a relaxed feel.

It’s not a famous song, but it’s a good one, isn’t it?

In conclusion

We introduced songs in Hakata dialect where the charm of regional speech and music are interwoven.

The Hakata-dialect songs created by various artists are characterized by the comforting warmth unique to this way of speaking.

Whether you’re a local or someone who has never visited Fukuoka, we hope you’ve felt the gentleness and humor of Hakata-ben.

Please enjoy a heartwarming moment with music in the Hakata dialect.