In Tokushima Prefecture, where abundant nature and traditional culture thrive, many traditional songs vividly depict the land of Awa and the lives of its people.
From work songs sung during farm labor and Bon dance songs to lullabies, Tokushima’s folk songs—passed down through daily life—are filled with charms worth sharing across generations.
In this article, we have gathered a selection of Tokushima’s captivating folk songs, children’s songs, and nursery rhymes.
Why not lend an ear to a musical world, born in Tokushima and lovingly carried on by locals, where nostalgia and freshness blend together?
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Tokushima Folk Songs, Children's Songs, and Nursery Rhymes | Traditional Songs Rooted in the Region, Including Awa Odori (1–10)
Awa Yoshikonomin’yō
Awa Yoshikono is a folk song beloved in Tokushima Prefecture.
Sung during the Awa Odori dance, it is cherished not only by Tokushima residents but by many people.
“Yoshikono” is said to refer to the rhythmic form of the Yoshikono-bushi that was popular from the Edo period into the early Meiji era.
It has a mysterious charm that makes you want to move your body to the rhythm without even thinking.
Iya Jinkumin’yō
This is a banquet song from the Iya region of Tokushima Prefecture, where the sounds of shamisen, flute, and drums lively intertwine.
Long cherished as a “sawagi-uta” (revelry song), it brims with an exhilarating brightness that seems to capture the joy of gathering and the vibrancy of festivals in sound itself, further heightening the cheerful mood of the feast.
This piece has been recorded on CD by folk singers, and it’s also interesting that, together with choreography by artists such as Umemoto Umeno, it is used as teaching material in folk-dance workshops.
It’s a perfect number for everyone to join the dance circle at festivals and local events.
season and weathermin’yō
This work is a folk song from Tokushima Prefecture whose relaxed shamisen and flute tones invite listeners on a journey through history.
There are various theories about it: some say merchants once popularized the song to spread their own brands, while others claim it is the very origin of the Awa Odori dance.
Even today, it is sometimes performed at local events and is carefully preserved as a profound piece deeply rooted in the community.
Why not lend an ear to these traditional sounds, filled with the romance of history and the pulse of everyday life?
Awa Folk Songmin’yō
Set to the light, lilting tones of the shamisen, this parlor song vividly evokes the rich atmosphere of Tokushima.
Its poetic worldview—depicting the current that flows toward Awa transforming into the majestic whirlpools of Naruto—captivates the listener.
The track appears on the album “Songs of Awa: Parlor Songs 1,” alongside roughly fifteen other regional folk songs.
Part of its appeal lies in the narrative of reviving a culture on the verge of being lost.
As you listen to the nostalgic melody, you may feel as though you’re journeying through Tokushima yourself.
Awa dances — becoming a whirlmin’yō
It’s a striking piece with a dynamic progression that depicts calm waters spiraling into a swell of frenzy.
Based on the Tokushima folk song “Awa Yoshikono,” the shakuhachi, shamisen, and koto intertwine beautifully, drawing listeners into a whirlpool of sound.
Released in December 2022 as the third single by the folk-recomposition unit MIKAGE PROJECT, the track had its live premiere at the Tokushima Awa Odori Association’s New Year performance in January 2023.
It’s the perfect song for when you want to feel a fresh breath in traditional music or experience the energy of Awa Odori.
Naruto-bushimin’yō
The relaxed tones of the shamisen seem to invite you into the tranquil seascapes of Naruto in Tokushima.
This work is a new folk song that evokes a sense of nostalgia, depicting scenes of traveling plovers and seagulls.
Its lyrical melody is interspersed with lively calls, which brighten the atmosphere—a key part of its charm.
Today, you can hear it on CDs featuring folk songs, and it is also enjoyed at cultural promotion events hosted by the prefecture.
In addition, the July 2020 album Awa Hyakkei includes recordings based on field tapes from 1988.
Why not lend an attentive ear to these Japanese sounds while reflecting on the landscape and spirit of Tokushima?
Awa Scenerymin’yō
Awa Landscapes is a folk song from Tokushima Prefecture that evokes scenes of Awa.
Images unique to Tokushima—such as the swirling Naruto Strait and the bridges over the Yoshino River—are interwoven with feelings of love, resulting in a gently beautiful folk tune.
Why not listen to it while imagining the scenery of Tokushima?