Niigata’s folk songs, children’s songs, and nursery rhymes: the heart of our hometown passed down in song

Sanjo Kite Festival Music

14. Sanjo Tako-bayashi: 60th Anniversary Commemorative Performance of the Kashiwazaki Folk Song Preservation Society

In Sanjo City, located roughly in the center of Niigata Prefecture, kite battles were held on the old Boys’ Festival since the Edo period.

The song “Sanjo Tako-bayashi” celebrates this Sanjo specialty.

It is said that the children of samurai and the children of townspeople competed by cutting each other’s kite strings, and that empty barrels were used by supporters to cheer them on.

One can easily picture the children’s heated excitement and the parents watching over them.

Oni Daiko of Sado

Sado Kawarada Suwa Shrine Oni-daiko

This is the Sado Onidaiko, said to have been brought to Sado about 500 years ago.

Accompanied by Noh dance, each area has its own distinctive drums and choreography, and it is said there are as many as 120 combinations across the island.

It is a sacred tradition dedicated at Shinto shrine festivals to ward off evil, pray for prosperous business, and ensure a bountiful harvest.

Echigo-MatsuzakaFutabaya Itoko

Echigo Matsuzaka (Shiozawa Town, Futabaya Ito-ko) 2

Echigo Matsuzaka, a celebratory song passed down in Niigata Prefecture, originated in the Kambara region of Echigo.

It spread throughout Japan through itinerant entertainers such as the blind female performers known as goze, who earned money by singing and playing the shamisen, and the blind biwa priests called zato, who performed narrative songs accompanied by the biwa or shamisen.

Barrel beatingShin Ushizakiya Misao

Tarutataki Niigata Jinku, Part 1 (Shingyūsakiya Misao), 80 rpm

“Tarutataki” of Niigata Jinku is a Bon dance song also known as the “Niigata Bon Uta.” In Niigata’s geisha districts, it is said that the geisha would beat large barrels as they sang.

Just imagining them striking multiple barrels while singing and dancing makes me excited—even though I wasn’t there in that era and don’t even know Niigata’s Bon dances firsthand.

Come, springSōma Gofu, Hirota Ryūtarō

Come, Spring — Lyrics by Gofu Soma, Music by Ryutaro Hirota

The children’s song “Haruyo Koi” (Come, Spring) was written by the poet Gofu Soma from Itoigawa City in Niigata Prefecture.

The composer was Ryutaro Hirota, known for songs such as “Koinobori” and “Sparrows’ School.” It is said that “Mii-chan,” who appears in the song, was modeled after Soma’s eldest daughter, Fumiko.

From this song, you can sense how people in a land of deep snows have been eagerly stretching their necks, waiting for spring to arrive.

Bridal DollFukiya Kōji

Bride Doll — of gold brocade and satin ~ Children’s Song/School Song Masterpieces Collection — Cover by Hananoshō

Hanayome Ningyo (Bride Doll) is a children’s/lyric song with lyrics by Koji Fukuya from Shibata City, Niigata Prefecture, and music by composer and violinist Haseo Sugiyama.

The lyrics came first, originating from a poem and accompanying illustration that were hastily created for another project.

Ogi Okesa

Oct 22, 2016 Kogi O-kesa

In “Ogi O-kesa,” the word “Ogi” is a place name on Sado Island, a location that prospered as a relay port for trade on the Sea of Japan.

From the port, the Kyushu song “Hanya-bushi” was brought in, transformed into “Ogi Hanya,” and further evolved into what remains today as “Ogi O-kesa.” The tempo is relatively brisk, and its simplicity makes it a charming song.