Lovely nursery rhymes, folk songs, and children's songs

[Akita Songs] A Collection of Gem-Like Local Tunes Filled with Love for Hometowns

Accompanist / Piano InstructorYuri
Accompanist pianist × piano instructor × web writer. I began piano lessons at age four and, inspired by my piano teacher, decided to pursue music. I went on to specialized music programs in high school and university, where I discovered the appeal of accompanying instrumentalists and singers. Currently, alongside teaching piano, I work mainly in my home region of Aichi as an accompanist for flute, voice, choir, and more. Through lessons, my students often introduce me to trending songs, and my hobby is trying anything on the piano—Japanese and Western pop, commercial jingles, and beyond. Since 2021, I’ve also been active as a web writer, covering music and a variety of other genres.

Akita Prefecture faces the Sea of Japan and is alive with abundant nature and traditional culture.

In this land, countless folk songs, enka, and local tunes filled with love for Akita have been born.

In this article, we’ve gathered masterpieces that possess a uniquely Akita quality—an enigmatic charm that stirs nostalgia.

Whether you’re from Akita or simply cherish it deeply, just hearing these songs will surely bring back memories as if the places themselves are appearing before your eyes.

Please enjoy these many classics that convey the very atmosphere and emotion of the land to your heart’s content.

[Songs of Akita] A Treasured Collection of Local Gems Filled with Love for Hometown (21–30)

Is there any crying child?Yu Takahashi

Naguko wa inega

Naku ko wa inega Takahashi Yu

Speaking of Akita, the artist that comes to mind is Yu Takahashi, and as the working title suggests—“Akita’s Song” or something along those lines—it’s a track packed with elements of Akita.

“Naku ko wa inega” is Akita dialect meaning “Are there any crying children?” and it’s a phrase used as a kind of chant by the Namahage.

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Great AkitaKan Ishii

Great Akita 1

The Great Akita Ishii Kan

It has four movements and is quite long.

At this point, I’m carried away more by the beauty of the piece than anything specifically about Akita.

“Ooinaru Akita,” which often appears at wind ensemble and choral events in Akita Prefecture, is my favorite—especially the part where it picks up tempo and gets exciting.

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Our FutureYuumin Fujita, Junya Watanabe

Theme song of the National Cultural Festival Akita 2014 “Our Future” MV

Our Future Fujita Yumin, Junya Watanabe

This is a song that became the theme song for the National Cultural Festival Akita 2014.

The clear vocals by Akita radio DJ Yuumin Fujita and singer-songwriter Junya Watanabe make it a really nice track.

As expected from people who work with their voices, they have great voices.

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Shirakami is my hometown.Ikuzo Yoshi

Ikuzo Yoshi “Shirakami Is My Hometown” — I like it. Nishimeya Hometown Goodwill Ambassador.

Shirakami is the hometown of Yoshi Ikuzo

This is a song about Shirakami-Sanchi, the World Heritage Site that spans Akita and Aomori Prefectures.

It’s by Enka legend Ikuzo Yoshi—where is your hometown again? I looked it up and it’s in Aomori, not Akita.

It’s a very good song that conveys the grandeur of Shirakami-Sanchi.

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A new dayKashiko Oshima

Takako Ōshima – A New Day (Full Version)

A New Day Takishiko Ōshima

This is a local company’s commercial jingle sung by Takako Oshima, an announcer for Akita Asahi Broadcasting who was born in Tokyo and raised in Akita.

It seems to air in Yamagata Prefecture as well, but most people probably don’t know it.

In short, it’s a jingle known only to people from Akita and Yamagata.

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Everywhere Just as It Is ~ Song of the Heavy Snow Region in Akita PrefectureTsuchi

As I Am – Akita Dialect Ver. / Anywhere as You Are – A Song from the Heavy-Snow Region of Akita Prefecture

Dogomo mama de ~ Tsucchi, the singer from Akita's heavy snowfall region

Watch “Dogomo Mamade ~ Tsutchii’s Song from the Heavy-Snow Region of Akita Prefecture” on YouTube

This is an Akita dialect cover of that famous song.

Please enjoy the subtitles and translation.

The singing quality is high, and the contrast with the earnest lyrics about Akita’s heavy snow is sure to make you laugh.

For people in Akita—especially in the heavy snowfall areas—it’s no laughing matter, though.

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I really related to it.

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Waiting4U ~ I'll let you fluff meMOFU MOFU☆DOGS

Japan’s first!? Akita Inu idol group “MOFU MOFU☆DOGS” releases a music video! New song MV created by stitching together Akita dog voices: “Waiting4U ~I’ll Let You Fluff Me~”

Waiting4U ~ I'll let you fluff them up MOFU MOFU☆DOGS

The vocals sounding a bit too dog-like is a drawback, but the overall quality is high.

I can tell you were very serious about it.

I’d like to hear vocals that sound a bit more human.

I feel you went for buzz over the music itself.

Sorry—harsh words because it’s so close.

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