[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
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[Japanese Folk and Regional Songs] A Collection of Beloved Classics from Across Japan Filled with Local Pride (51–60)
Esashi OiwakeHamada Kiichi
Esashi Oiwake is a folk song from Hokkaido, originating in Esashi Town, Hiyama District, located along the Sea of Japan on the Oshima Peninsula.
It is said to have its roots in the Shinano Oiwake-bushi and is believed to have emerged from the mid-Edo period onward.
It is designated as an Intangible Folk Cultural Property by Hokkaido and has been selected as a Hokkaido Heritage item as part of “The Ubagami Daijingu Togyo Festival and Esashi Oiwake.”
Mogami River Boat SongHiroyukijo
It is a folk song originating from Aterazawa in Ōe Town, Nishimurayama District, Yamagata Prefecture, and is said to have been newly reworked.
Compared to other folk songs, it seems to have a more tear-jerking melody.
I believe the person performing this vocal is an ordinary, elderly man, but he has an astonishingly good voice.
Dekansho BushiTsuchitori Toshiyuki
The “Dekansho-bushi” is a folk song sung as a Bon Odori dance song, primarily in Sasayama City, Hyogo Prefecture.
It is said to be a variation of the “Mitsu-bushi,” which had been sung in the Sasayama area since the Edo period.
Recognized as an Intangible Cultural Property of Sasayama City, it was selected in 2015 (Heisei 27) by the Agency for Cultural Affairs as one of the first 18 Japan Heritage sites, under the title “Tamba Sasayama Dekansho-bushi — Memories of the Hometown Passed Down in Song.”
Asadoya YuntaNatsukawa Rimi
Asadoya Yunta is an Okinawan folk song passed down in the Yaeyama Islands.
It humorously depicts the exchanges between Kuyama Asadoya, a peerless beauty who actually lived on Taketomi Island during the Ryukyu Kingdom era, and an official who fell in love with her at first sight.
The song spread nationwide after a record release in 1934.
[Japanese Folk Songs / Regional Songs] A Collection of Beloved Masterpieces from Across Japan (61–70)
Mount Bandai of AizuKouta Katsutarou
Aizu Bandaisan is a folk song handed down in the Aizu region of Fukushima Prefecture, derived from Genyo-bushi—a local song from Aizu—repurposed as a Bon dance tune.
Along with Gujo Odori and Awa Odori, it is counted among the three great folk songs of Japan.
In 1934 (Showa 9), a version sung by Kouta Katsutaro was named “Aizu Bandaisan,” released as a record, and spread nationwide.
Tokunoshima Folk Song “Hayari-bushi”Kawamoto Eisho
I was surprised to learn that there are so many folk songs on Tokunoshima.
I had thought there were more folk songs in Tohoku and Hokkaido, but in reality there may be even more in Kagoshima and Okinawa.
This song is also well-known and cherished locally.
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.