[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.
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- [Folk and Children's Songs of Hokkaido] Songs of Hokkaido that continue to be loved across generations
- Folk songs, children’s songs, and nursery rhymes of Osaka: the enduring spirit of our hometown carried on in song
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[Japanese Folk Songs / Regional Songs] A Collection of Beloved Masterpieces from Across Japan (61–70)
Tokunoshima Folk Song: ‘After Sankyo’Kawamoto Eisho
It’s said to be a folk song from Tokunoshima that sings about relationships between men and women.
Even as times and music genres change, the themes people sing about are pretty much always the same.
The man performing this song is also an excellent shamisen player and a person of remarkable talent.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.