Niigata’s folk songs, children’s songs, and nursery rhymes: the heart of our hometown passed down in song
Niigata Prefecture is known for hosting traditional Bon dances and festivals, as well as for its large area of rice cultivation and high yields.
We’ve selected many folk songs and children’s songs related to Niigata, including pieces themed around Sado Island.
Folk songs, which are often performed at festivals, convey a lively, festive atmosphere through their rhythmic sounds.
It’s also recommended to explore the background behind songs like “Sado Okesa,” which are beloved across Japan.
Be sure to listen to the folk and children’s songs that showcase the charm of each region of Niigata.
Niigata folk songs, children's songs, and nursery rhymes: The heart of our hometown passed down in song (1–10)
Teradomari O-kesaFujinoi Tsukiko
Teradomari Oke-sa, where Tsukiko Fujinoi’s beautiful singing blends with Chiyoe Oya’s powerful shamisen and taiko, is a gem brimming with warmth and the living traditions of Niigata.
Recorded in 1969 (Showa 44), it stands out for its strong artistry and regional flavor.
It has the charm to transport listeners to the scene, and its pleasant rhythm irresistibly makes you want to move.
Perfect for anyone seeking music rich in local color! This masterpiece is included on the album Definitive Edition: Japanese Folk Songs, and is highly recommended for those who want to savor Niigata’s rich culture.
Tokamachi Kouta (Tokamachi Folk Song)
As a folk song that colors the culture of Niigata Prefecture, Tokamachi Kouta was born in 1929 (Showa 4).
Composed by Shimpei Nakayama with lyrics by Hakusui Nagai, this piece was in fact a commercial jingle for the famed Akashi-chijimi textile! Beloved since the early Showa era, it celebrates the charms of Tokamachi City with graceful rhythm and melody, and was so popular that it won first place in the New Folk Song category in 1960 (Showa 35).
The sounds woven by traditional instruments such as Tsugaru shamisen and shakuhachi evoke the lush natural scenery of Niigata.
Brimming with love for Niigata and pride in its hometown, this work is recommended not only for fans of folk music but also for listeners who wish to experience Japanese culture.
Echigo OiwakeSuzuki Setsumi
Sung by Setsumi Suzuki, “Echigo Oiwake” evokes the rich, nostalgic atmosphere of Niigata Prefecture.
Originating in Oiwake-juku in Nagano, it spread nationwide during the Meiji era.
Carried by shakuhachi and shamisen accompaniment, Suzuki’s voice washes over listeners like waves.
Its warm, lightly swinging feel conjures the joyful yet wistful days of one’s hometown, leaving a lingering impression.
A song that lets people of any generation easily enjoy the enduring charm of folk music in the modern day!
Kasugayama-bushiSuzuki Masao
Mr.
Somao Gofu, who wrote the lyrics, was a poet and critic from Itoigawa City in Niigata Prefecture.
Mr.
Shimpei Nakayama, who composed the music, was a composer from Nagano Prefecture.
Through the collaboration of these two, Niigata’s new folk song “Kasugayama-bushi” was born.
Sung by the second-generation folk singer Masao Suzuki, “Kasugayama-bushi” is a folk song that also delights with its lively hayashi interjections.
Sado OkesaMurata Bunzō
Sado Okesa originated from the “Haiya-bushi” that was born at the port of Ushibuka in Kumamoto Prefecture.
Carried by Kitamaebune trading ships, it was brought to Ogi, the gateway to Sado, where the courtesans of Ogi began singing it as a lively drinking song.
In Echigo as well, “Haiya-bushi” was adopted, and a song called “Okesa” was created and became popular, which is said to be why people on Sado also came to call it “Okesa.”
Song of the Third-Floor (Sankai-bushi)Murakami-ke shimeka
This is Sankai-bushi, a Bon dance song handed down in the Kashiwazaki area of Niigata Prefecture.
Around 1828 (the 11th year of the Bunsei era), Yasshome-bushi, which was popular in the three major cities, was brought to Kashiwazaki.
Because each verse is sung three times, it came to be called “Sankai-bushi” (literally, “three-times song”), and the characters were applied accordingly.
It was later adopted into the entertainment quarters and evolved into a parlor song.
Summer has comeKoyama Sakunosuke
“Natsu wa Kinu” was composed by Sakunosuke Koyama, who was born in Joetsu City, Niigata Prefecture (formerly Ogata Town).
The lyrics were written by Nobutsuna Sasaki, a tanka poet and scholar of classical Japanese literature.
Koyama studied at the Tokyo Music School (now Tokyo University of the Arts) and is also known for his dedication to music education.
The title “Natsu ga Kinu” means “Summer Has Come.”