Folk songs, children’s songs, and nursery rhymes of Kumamoto: the enduring spirit of our hometown passed down through song.
Kumamoto has served as the setting for folk songs and children’s songs known throughout Japan, such as Otemoyan and Itsuki no Komoriuta.
These works vividly portray the grandeur of Aso’s natural landscape, the majestic figure of Kumamoto Castle, and the rhythms of everyday life.
From Taharabanzaka, which conveys the sorrow of the Satsuma Rebellion, to Higo Kome Ondo, which celebrates a bountiful harvest, each folk song passed down through the generations is deeply etched with Kumamoto’s history and culture.
In this article, we have gathered folk songs, children’s songs, and nursery rhymes from Kumamoto, imbued with love for the homeland and the joys of daily life.
Let us lend an ear to the world of song where the spirit of Kumamoto resides.
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Kumamoto folk songs, children’s songs, and nursery rhymes: The heart of our hometown handed down in song (1–10)
Kumamoto OndoSakushi: Shimada Hajimeya / Sakkyoku: Nagatsu Yoshishi
Isn’t it a heartwarming song that conjures up images of Kumamoto’s beautiful nature and the cheerful smiles of the people who live there? Its slightly nostalgic, humorous lyrics and light, buoyant ondo melody are sure to lift listeners’ spirits.
This work has a warmth that gently accompanies those who want to reminisce about their hometown scenery or experience Kumamoto’s culture.
It will make you feel as if you’re right in the lively circle of a festival, enjoying the fun atmosphere.
KUMAKOI RokuchōshiKawamura Yumi
A folk-song arrangement brimming with passionate hometown pride.
Yumi Kawamura has revived a traditional song from the Kuma region in a contemporary style.
The lyrics depict the lively bustle of days gone by, while the rousing calls and responses lift your spirits.
After its CD release, a remixed version arrived in February 2017 and was also included on the album “Yumisaurus.” It’s become an essential soundtrack for local festivals and dance events, cherished as a track that conveys love for the community and brings energy to its listeners.
Give it a listen whenever you want to reflect on the landscapes of Kumamoto!
Raised in the Land of FireItō Hisao
This is a new folk song from Kumamoto Prefecture titled “Hino Kuni Sodachi” (Raised in the Land of Fire).
The lyrics are by Ujō Noguchi and the music by Yoshinao Ōmura.
It was recorded on the B-side of the record “Higo Gojūyonmangoku,” but despite both songs having the same lyricist and composer, this “Hino Kuni Sodachi” has been almost entirely forgotten.
Folk songs, children's songs, and nursery rhymes of Kumamoto: The heart of our hometown passed down in song (11–20)
Song of the Land of FireKumamoto Jidō Gasshōdan
Written by Yo Mine (lyrics) and Hideo Kobayashi (music), this work is a commissioned piece by the Kumamoto Children’s Choir titled “Suite for Children’s Chorus: Songs of the Land of Fire.” Composed of three songs—“The Castle Is a Renowned Fortress,” “Old Tales of Higo,” and “Aso”—it vividly evokes the scenery and history of Kumamoto as if unfolding before your eyes.
Ushibuka Haiya-bushiItō Takio
This is the folk song “Ushibuka Haiya-bushi” from Ushibuka in Kumamoto Prefecture, now part of Amakusa City.
It has been sung since the Edo period and is famous as the original version of the Haiya-bushi that spread to over 40 places nationwide.
“Haiya” means “south wind.” In Kyushu, it used to be called “Hae no kaze” (fly wind), and from “hae” it became “haeya,” eventually changing to “haiya.”
Kin’nyomunyoHonjō Hidemi
This is the folk song “Kinnyomunyo” handed down in Kumamoto City, Kumamoto Prefecture.
The title “Kinnyomunyo” comes from a nonsensical refrain created to enjoy the sound, and it has no meaning.
The lyrics list titles of kabuki, joruri, and kodan related to Kumamoto, and intersperse meaningless refrains within a cutting-kudoki pattern of 7-7-7-5 syllables.
Higo, 540,000 kokuFujimoto Nisankichi
This is Higo 540,000 Koku, a new folk song of Kumamoto Prefecture with lyrics by Ujō Noguchi and music by Yoshiaki Ōmura.
In the Edo period, the Kumamoto Domain—which spanned most of Higo Province excluding Kuma and Amakusa Districts, as well as three districts of Bungo Province—was established at 540,000 koku.
The song celebrates Lord Katō Kiyomasa, who built up this 540,000-koku domain, Kumamoto Castle, and the strong-willed character of those born in Kumamoto.