Soran Bushi: Compare renditions of this classic folk song by various artists!
Soran Bushi is a song you often hear at sports days and school events.
Born in Hokkaido, this folk song is known for its powerful calls and distinctive rhythm, and has been passed down by artists across various genres.
It is loved both in Japan and abroad as one of the representative songs of Japanese folk music.
In this article, we introduce performances of Soran Bushi by singers who cherish folk music, ranging from orthodox renditions to unique modern arrangements.
Why not take this opportunity to discover the profound charm of Soran Bushi, born on the northern land and carefully preserved over the years?
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Soran Bushi: Compare renditions of this classic folk song by various artists! (11–20)
Soran BushiMitsubishi Michiya
Michiya Mihashi was one of the leading singers of the Showa-era popular music scene.
He is a legendary vocalist said to have sold over 100 million records.
A recording of his home region Hokkaido’s folk song, “Soran Bushi,” ranks sixth among the twelve million-selling folk songs and has surpassed 2.5 million copies sold.
His soaring high notes are truly overwhelming!
TAKiO’s Soran BushiItō Takio
Takio Ito is a folk singer from Hokkaido.
He often performs in sessions with many musicians.
His arrangement of the traditional “Soran Bushi” in a rock style, titled “TAKIO no Soran Bushi (Nanchu Soran Bushi),” is known as one of his signature works.
Ito, who organizes events to make traditional Japanese folk songs and music featuring Japanese instruments more accessible and enjoyable to people of all ages, delivers performances that convey his deep love for folk music.
Kiyoshi’s Soran BushiHikawa Kiyoshi
This is “Soran Bushi” by enka singer Kiyoshi Hikawa.
Even if you close your eyes and listen only to the singing, the powerful, dynamic dance that expresses hauling in the nets with the whole body vividly comes to mind—it’s that intense and cool.
Released in 2007, the song won the 49th Japan Record Awards Gold Prize, the 40th Japan Cable Radio Awards Grand Prize, and the Most Requested Song Award.
Soran BushiTsugaru shamisen Wagajin
“Soran Bushi” is a popular song for getting the crowd hyped even at shamisen concerts.
Performing with high energy are the members of WAGITO, who fire up the stage with Tsugaru-shamisen playing and flashy showmanship.
The powerful music and performance are a perfect match, and just watching them gives you a boost of energy!
Fischer’s Soran Bushifisshāzu
This is the Soran Bushi by the hugely popular YouTubers “Fischer’s.” Fischer’s is made up of distinctive members, all in their twenties.
The video is very short, but it still showcases a new-generation take on the Soran Bushi that is quintessentially them.
Soran BushiSakamoto Fuyumi
This is Soran Bushi performed by enka singer Fuyumi Sakamoto.
Also known as “Okiage Ondo,” Soran Bushi is often thought to suit a male voice, but Sakamoto’s powerful singing, resonating from deep within, makes you think, “A female rendition of Soran Bushi definitely works.”
Soran Bushi: Compare renditions of this folk classic by various artists! (21–30)
“Soran Bushi” Katano City Children’s ChoirKatanoshi Shōnen Shōjo Gasshōdan
This is the Soran Bushi performed by the members of the Katano City Children’s Choir at Hoshi no Sato Iwafune in Osaka on April 10, 2016.
It’s amazing that the choir also used Japanese taiko drums and danced.
There was no dancing during the parts where they created a beautiful harmony, but you can tell they practiced very hard.