Akita Ondo: The Heart of Japan Passed Down in Song

Folk music unit NeoBallad “02 ~Golden Village~” Digest of Recorded TracksNeoBallad

NeoBallad Arranged Folk Songs “02 ~Golden Village~” Track Digest: Nanbu Tawara-tsumi Uta, Soran Bushi, Hanagasa Ondo, Aizu Bandaisan, Soma Bon Uta, Akita Ondo, Tanko Bushi, Nanbu Ushioi Uta, Tsugaru Tanto Bushi, Sansa Shigure

Since the video mainly introduces the tracks included on the album, the scenes where she sings Akita Ondo are only a small part, but the vocalist is irresistibly cute, like an idol.

Not only is she adorable, she’s also a skilled singer with achievements in folk song competitions.

I was captivated by her deeply engaging singing style.

Tokyo ROUGE / Akita Ondo Tokyo Rouge Version at Noshiro City Cultural HallTokyo ROUGE

Tokyo ROUGE / Akita Ondo Tokyo Rouge Version at Noshiro City Cultural Hall

Akita Ondo by the Tokyo Rouge theater troupe.

It had a strong musical vibe, with a kind of fun that naturally put a smile on my face.

You don’t often see a combination of musical theater and folk songs, so I’m satisfied I got to watch such a rare video.

I’d love to see it again.

ten ten band: Akita Ondo (Akita Folk Song)ten ten band

ten ten band: Akita Ondo (Akita Folk Song)

The musical style is wonderful! It’s arranged in jazz rock.

I think it’s deliberately crafted so the vocals are brought out nicely.

I’m not sure if they’re a major band, but I hope they keep making versions of the Akita Ondo.

Hodenazu Blues Band Akita OndoHodenass Blues Band

Hodenazu Blues Band Akita Ondo

As the band name suggests, it’s blues.

A badass dad-band! The vocalist’s nicely punchy delivery keeps a hint of folk-song flavor.

It’s arranged so heavily that you wouldn’t even realize it’s Akita Ondo unless someone told you—but that actually gives it a unique charm, I think.

Arage Honji 'Akita Ondo' @ Salud!! Vol. 20Arage Honji 'Akita Ondo' @ Salud!! Vol. 20

Arage Honji 'Akita Ondo' @ Salud!! Vol. 20

It’s an Akita Ondo with a very distinctive guitar sound, sung by a male vocalist.

The accompaniment is longer than the singing, so it felt like a soundtrack.

I hear they’re mainly active in the Tohoku region, and I think each band member’s individual performance is also a highlight.

Notteru Ondo (full ver.)The Drifters

Notteru Ondo (full ver.)

“Notteru Ondo,” which is based on the Akita Ondo.

The basic melody is the same, and only the lyrics have been changed—kind of like a parody song.

It’s very Drifters-like, with a strong parody vibe, and the lyrics are pretty funny.

I didn’t know a song like this existed—what a neat discovery!

Budgerigar Hiyotan is singing along to the Akita Ondo♪Hiyotan the budgerigar

Budgerigar Hiyotan is singing along to the Akita Ondo♪

This might be a bit of a tangent, but the way they dance to the music is so cute and soothing! They seem to get in a good mood when they hear the Akita Ondo—something about it must resonate with them.

Maybe it’s music that appeals not only to humans but to animals as well.