Folk songs, children’s songs, and nursery rhymes of Osaka: the enduring spirit of our hometown carried on in song
In this article, we feature folk songs and children’s songs related to Osaka!Osaka has long been a key hub of logistics, situated at the confluence of busy sea routes and rivers.Because of that, Osaka’s folk repertoire includes pieces like the Yodogawa boat songs that evoke its deep history.At the same time, there are newer tunes that symbolize contemporary Osaka, such as the Harukas Ondo inspired by Abeno Harukas.Listen to the folk and children’s songs of Osaka—once called the “nation’s kitchen”—and immerse yourself in its long, rich history!
Osaka’s folk songs, children’s songs, and nursery rhymes: The heart of our hometown passed down through song (1–10)
Song of Osaka’s Delicious Foods
As a children’s song or nursery rhyme, it might fall into the category of newer works.
That’s “The Osaka Delicious Foods Song.” Foods that are Osaka specialties—mainly flour-based dishes like takoyaki and okonomiyaki—are sung to a lively melody.
Also, for some reason the second verse boasts about funny things, featuring Tsutenkaku Tower and the Yoshimoto New Comedy troupe.
Taishi Town Song
A song that sings of the history of Taishi Town in Osaka Prefecture, a place associated with Prince Shōtoku, and its hopes for the future.
Set to a warm melody that would also shine in choral performance, it weaves together images of a tranquil landscape rich with fruit trees and pride in the history built by our predecessors.
You can really sense the residents’ pure love for their town.
The song was released in September 1976 as the single “Taishi Town Ondo / Taishi Town Song,” performed by Kenji Ito.
It’s also beloved as the music for the town’s calisthenics.
Why not listen to it when you want to quietly reflect on the scenery of your hometown and the warm lives of its people?
Sumiyoshi Odori
This is a sacred and dynamic dedicatory dance song that has been passed down at Sumiyoshi Taisha in Osaka.
The lively rhythms marked by shamisen and drums seem to embody the very prayers of people wishing for a bountiful harvest.
During the rituals, charming young maidens dance with fans in hand.
Their presence overflows with vitality even amid the solemn atmosphere, lifting the hearts of all who watch.
Why not experience its sacred resonance and feel the breath of Osaka’s long history?
Osaka City Streetcar Song
A song with a pleasing seven-five rhythm invites you on a journey through springtime Osaka.
Starting in Umeda, it sings its way through the era’s celebrated spots—Dojima, Shinsaibashi, and on to Tempozan—so vividly that the city’s lively scenes come to life before your eyes.
Don’t you feel the excitement of people swaying along in the streetcars? It’s said this piece was created in 1908 as a PR song for the Osaka Municipal Tramway.
As you listen to its nostalgic melody, you can sense the bustle of the old, beloved “City of Water.”
Horie Bon Folk Song
It is a bon-odori song from the red-light district that used to be in Horie, Nishi Ward, Osaka City, and it seems geisha once sang and danced to it gracefully.
The lyrics—“We broke the brazier / We broke the mortar / We got scolded / Now, watermelon…”—are buoyed by a cheerful tune and have been passed down to the present day.
Sakai Sumiyoshi
This is a song that celebrates the charm of Sumiyoshi in Osaka.
The relaxed tones of the shamisen create an elegant, quintessentially Kamigata atmosphere.
In the lyrics, the singer tours the famous sights of Sumiyoshi Taisha, as if feeling the bustle firsthand.
In the latter half, when local souvenirs are recommended, you can sense the warmth of the people.
It’s a piece to savor when you want to reflect on the nostalgic scenery of old Naniwa.
You can hear it on albums such as Shohei Narise’s “Osaka Prefecture Folk Songs: Shohei Narise Folk Song Complete Collection – Commemorating the Master’s Title.”
Hometown Ibaraki Ondo
Set in Ibaraki City, Osaka Prefecture, this is a heart-stirring original bon-odori song.
Featuring the vocals of Mayuko Hayashida, the piece stands out with its brisk tempo and familiar, catchy phrasing.
Just by listening, you can feel your body naturally start to move as if you were in the festival circle—such is its joy.
Woven into the lyrics are deep affection for one’s hometown and a warm message encouraging everyone to cherish and carry on local traditions together.
Performed for many years at the Ibaraki Festival, it has been embraced as a bon dance number that promotes the community.
For those connected to Ibaraki City, it may well evoke fond memories and images of the hometown landscape.