Donpan-bushi: The Heart of Japan Passed Down in Song
Here are some standout and popular songs recommended by our studio staff from Donpan-bushi, a folk song tradition from Akita Prefecture.
This is a traditional playlist that carries on the heart of Japan in song.
Donpan-bushi: The Japanese Spirit Passed Down in Song (1–10)
Folklore Donpan-bushiArumando Yamahira
It seems he is the director of Folklore Vientos.
He collaborates with performers from various genres and expresses the world of Akita folk songs through new interpretations.
This Donpan-bushi also conveys a freshness and beauty that feels like listening to South American folk music.
Yoshiko's Shamisen DonpanNewly Reborn Ruriko
This is a rendition of the Donpan-bushi sung by Yoshiko Takekawa, who arranged both the lyrics and the melody.
There are many variations of Donpan for different situations, but here it portrays the subtle allure of a girl on the verge of adulthood.
It suits the vibrant Shinsei style very well.
Donpan Bushi sign languageHisako Hasegawa, Yoshiko Chiba
I never imagined it could be made this easy to understand in sign language.
Subtle expressions are broken down into simpler parts to make them clear.
Learning sign language isn’t easy, but I thought it might be good to start from around here by setting it to music.
lockdown breadDaisen City, Akita Prefecture
Every year, the Donpan Festival is held as a summer celebration in the Nakasen area of Daisen City, the birthplace of the Donpan-bushi.
In addition to traditional performing arts and fireworks, the highlight is the Rock Donpan dance.
Young people in particular dance energetically, creating a lively atmosphere.
It’s easy to get into, and people of all ages enjoy it.
That’s the charm of the Donpan-bushi.
Donpan-bushiABEYA
I felt like I was at a banquet hall.
That’s how much ABEYA’s stage prioritizes entertainment—rather than just listening to music, it focuses on making you enjoy it with laughter and moving moments.
It’s a performance troupe formed around the Abe brothers, champions of Tsugaru shamisen.
This Donpan made me laugh, too.
Donpan SongLarge DON (large-sized bowl).
The Donpan-bushi really is easy to arrange, and the song itself is pure entertainment.
It can be portrayed beautifully or cheerfully.
I never imagined it would turn into a rice-bowl theme, though.
Still, it doesn’t abandon its basic local pride; it firmly showcases the regional specialties here, too.
The Donpan-bushi in LoveLOVE-C
LOVE-C is a unit of young mothers with children.
The song was created to play when you hit a jackpot on a pachinko machine.
Apparently, it was also used as background music on Gaki no Tsukai.
True to their housewife image, they vent frustrations about their husbands.
It’s originally a cheerful folk song, but they sing it with a lively pop bounce.