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[Japanese Folk and Regional Songs] A Collection of Beloved Masterpieces from Across Japan, Brimming with Local Pride

From north to south, the traditional singing voices passed down across Japan are treasures of each region.

Perhaps you, too, have a memorable song that your grandparents or parents sang to you when you were a child—or one you sang together.

Folk songs, woven with the lives, cultures, and sentiments of their native places, have been sung across generations.

In this article, we introduce a selection of Japanese folk songs that resonate with the heart.

As you listen to the nostalgic melodies of hometowns, let us touch the spirit and landscape of Japan.

[Japanese Folk Songs / Regional Songs] A Collection of Beloved Masterpieces from Across Japan (61–70)

Tokunoshima folk song “Shimakanchimi-bushi”Kawamoto Eisho

It’s a folk song with the sound of the shamisen and a male vocal, occasionally interjected with female calls, and it’s a pleasure to listen to.

Compared to other Tokunoshima folk songs, this piece is sung in a more enka-like style—that’s its distinctive feature, I think.

A good song transcends genre and era.

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Hokkai Cod Fishing Songumezu tomohide

I think it’s a folk song from Hokkaido or the Tohoku region that prays for a bountiful cod catch.

The shamisen’s tone is pleasant, and Tomohide Umezu is skilled enough to have won folk song competitions, so he’s a pleasure to listen to.

With this much vocal power, you can tell right away how capable he is.

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Amami Island Folk Song: Yoisura-bushiKijima Yasuo, Yamashita Seiko

The island folk song of the Amami Islands is this “Yoisura-bushi.” It is considered a devotional folk song that protects men who go out to sea to fish, and it enjoys immense popularity among the locals.

The folk singer performing this piece, Ms.

Seiko Yamashita, has a remarkable voice as well, and I was once again struck by her talent.

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Tsugaru Shamisen SuiteTakahashi Chikuzan

Tsugaru Shamisen Suite by Chikuzan Takahashi
Tsugaru Shamisen SuiteTakahashi Chikuzan

This is an exceptionally passionate, masterful performance of Tsugaru shamisen.

Playing the shamisen to this level clearly demands overwhelming technical skill.

There are no vocals or taiko drums—just the shamisen alone—so its very essence comes through.

I can truly recommend this track.

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Gokayama Folk Songs

It’s a folk song handed down in the Gokayama region of Toyama Prefecture.

I believe it’s performed during certain traditional events, and the dance and the musical tones are a perfect match.

It truly is music for the people and for the locals of the area.

With over 50,000 plays, it clearly has an established popularity.

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Toyama Prefectural Folk Song: Ecchu Owara Bushi

Toyama Prefectural Folk Song: Etchū Owara Bushi
Toyama Prefectural Folk Song: Ecchu Owara Bushi

This is the Etchu Owara Bushi, a folk song handed down in the Yatsuo area of Toyama City, Toyama Prefecture, being performed at an event.

The interplay of singing, dancing, and instruments is wonderful, making it feel like a true traditional art form.

The dance also expresses feminine beauty, making this a highly recommended video.

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Okinawan folk song

This is an Okinawan folk song performed in a corner of a place that feels like a eatery in Miyakojima.

The two women are perfectly in sync, with outstanding feel for the sanshin and the drum.

Stumbling upon such wonderful music by chance while traveling would make for an unforgettable memory.

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