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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?

Soran Bushi: Compare classic folk masterpieces performed by various artists! (31–40)

[4K] The venue is in an uproar!? Astonishing Nanchū Sōran performance—Kushigata FiresKushigata Faiyāzu

This is a video of the Kushigata Fires performing at the Inuyama Odogeisai 2015, held on June 7, 2015, at the Ishizukuri Park Yosakoi main stage.

Their powerful rendition of the Nanchu Soran is overwhelming.

They look truly cool dancing while carrying the great fishing flags.

Minyo Girls ‘Soran Bushi’ “Soran Bushi” by Minyo Girlsmin’yō gāruzu

This is the Soran Bushi performed by Minyo Girls at the Furusato Matsuri Tokyo held at Tokyo Dome on January 11, 2016.

The opening shout of “Hai!” is super cute.

Their original choreography is adorable, and they play the shamisen very well.

“Nanchu Soran” at the Wakkanai Minami Junior High School Cultural Activities PresentationWakkanai Minami Chūgakkō

“Nanchu Soran” at the Wakkanai Minami Junior High School Cultural Activities Presentation
“Nanchu Soran” at the Wakkanai Minami Junior High School Cultural Activities PresentationWakkanai Minami Chūgakkō

This is footage from the Wakkanai Minami Junior High School Cultural Activities Presentation, showing their performance of the local folk art piece “Nanchū Sōran.” They dance not only on stage but also in the orchestra pit, making it powerful and impressive.

As expected of Hokkaido—being local, they clearly have a special attachment to it.

Aoi and Kaede 174: Soran BushiAoi to Kaede

This is a video of the Soran Bushi performed by Aoi and Kaede.

Aoi and Kaede are a shamisen sister duo from Katsushika Ward, Tokyo.

Both the older sister, Aoi, and the younger sister, Kaede, name Hibari Misora as the singer they admire, and you can feel that their voices as they sing the Soran Bushi are delivered in a natural, unadorned way.

Soran Bushi Handbell PerformanceKantō Gakuin Handoberu Kwaia

This is a video of the Kanto Gakuin Handbell Choir performing Kazuko Okamoto’s arrangement of Soran Bushi at the Aizuwakamatsu City Cultural Center on August 3, 2013.

In this rendition, the rugged masculinity of heading out to sea fades away, and the gentle tones of the handbells create a dreamlike version of Soran Bushi.

Soran Bushi: Compare classic folk masterpieces by various artists! (41–50)

[Raiden] Soran Bushi, “Raiden” Soran-bushi (Japan Market) 2016raiden

This is the Soran-bushi performed by the foreign team “Raiden,” who are fans of the dance.

It makes us happy that a traditional Japanese folk song passed down for generations is being discovered and enjoyed by people from abroad.

Their matching “Raiden” tank tops are great, too.

20160306 Ash YOSAKOI Seoul Soran Bushiasshu YOSAKOI souru

This is a video of the Soran Bushi performed by members of Nagasaki University’s Yosakoi team, “ASH YOSAKOI Soul.” The hall is small, but their dance is expansive, using their whole bodies with powerful expression.

Among the men, petite women also deliver a sharp and crisp Soran Bushi.