[Folk and Children's Songs of Hokkaido] Songs of Hokkaido that continue to be loved across generations
The folk songs and children’s songs that resound across Hokkaido’s land carry the lives, joys, and prayers of people who have long faced its harsh nature.
Traditional music such as Esashi Oiwake and Soran Bushi has been passed down across generations and remains deeply rooted in many hearts today.
In this article, we introduce beloved classics—folk songs, children’s songs, and nursery rhymes—that have been handed down in Hokkaido and are still cherished today.
Why not lend an ear to these nostalgic melodies and feel the allure of music nurtured by the northern land?
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Folk and Children's Songs of Hokkaido: Beloved Hokkaido Songs Across the Ages (21–30)
Iyasaka OndoBikutā Shōnen Min’yō Kai
This is a work song that was sung when knocking off the roe after the herring fishing season ended.
Aomori’s “Ajigasawa Jinku” was brought in by fishermen and spread as far as Hokkaido, where it became known as the “Iyasaka Ondo.” Because of the practice of striking off the eggs, it is also called the “Ko-tataki Ondo” (egg-knocking song).
wave-initial sound
It is said to be a song sung to make the rowers align their oar tips when setting out to the herring grounds.
Ezo’n is a three-member Japanese pop band that values traditional performing arts and powerfully delivers folk songs that everyone can enjoy by combining Japanese instruments with piano and guitar.
[Hokkaido Folk Songs and Children's Songs] Hokkaido Songs Loved Across Generations (31–40)
Southern Hokkaido Bon Festival Song
This is a bon-odori song from southern Hokkaido.
It is said to have been passed down from Akita’s “Takanosu Bon Song.” True to a Bon song, it sings somewhat humorously about how to dance well and how to lead the chant.
It also tells people not to chat, but to work while singing.
Hokkai Bon UtaMitsubishi Michiya
It’s a Bon Odori song from Otaru.
Because it had become so familiar as the theme song of The Drifters’ “It’s 8 o’clock! Everyone Gather Round,” it felt more like a popular TV tune than a folk song.
However, since Mr.
Mihashi’s version was apparently a million-seller, you could say The Drifters’ hit was built on that foundation.
Hakodate Port Song ~ Ain’t It Nice?Sasaki Motoharu
It seems like a lively festival that the entire citizenry of Hakodate took part in.
The lyrics aren’t just about tourist spots—they’re filled with the genuine warmth of the people of Hakodate.
Rather than a city anthem, it feels like a song of the citizens, expressed in the simple phrase “iin de naikai” (Isn’t that nice?).
Hokkai Yosare-bushiHokkaidō min’yō
It is said to be one of Hokkaido’s two major Bon festival songs, alongside the Hokkai Bon Uta.
The Yosare-bushi is believed to have come to Hokkaido around the mid-Meiji period after traveling from Echigo through the Tohoku region.
It then grew in popularity and became a representative Bon dance song.
Singing and dancing—this is the true essence of the Bon Odori.
Hokkai Nikata-bushiHokkaidō min’yō
It is said to have been brought over from Niigata toward the end of the Edo period, when Esashi was bustling with herring fishing.
The “Nikata-bushi” is said to have gotten its name from the local pronunciation of Niigata.
The shamisen is the highlight, and even just listening to the masterful plectrum technique is truly powerful.