Soran Bushi: Compare renditions of this classic folk song by various artists!

Soran BushiKomada Sayo

[Live Solo Performance] Soran Bushi (Hokkaido Folk Song) / While Gazing at a World Heritage Site — Soran Bushi / shamisen / by Sayo

Sayoyo Komada presents a Hokkaido folk song known for its powerful calls and dynamic rhythms, performing it as a Tsugaru-shamisen singing-and-playing solo.

She vividly recreates both the rugged intensity of herring fishing battles with the sea and the breathing presence of the people who live it.

Through rapid shamisen picking, meticulous kobushi ornamentation, and her unique technique of stamping a small drum with her foot, she achieves the depth and immediacy of a chorus or ensemble despite performing solo—truly impressive.

While faithful to folk tradition, the performance is complemented by contemporary visual direction, reminding us anew of the profound richness of minyo.

Kiyoshi’s Soran BushiHikawa Kiyoshi

Kiyoshi's Soran Bushi - Kiyoshi Hikawa by Lonnie 20150905

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 BushiMitsubishi Michiya

Mitsuhaashi Michiya [Soran Bushi]

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!

Soran BushiSakamoto Fuyumi

Fuyumi's Soran Bushi ~ Fuyumi Sakamoto Cover by Fan Ruie

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 BushiTsugaru shamisen Wagajin

Soran-bushi (Tsugaru 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

Fischer’s Festival

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 Bushi” Katano City Children’s ChoirKatanoshi Shōnen Shōjo Gasshōdan

“Soran Bushi” Katano City Children’s Choir

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.