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.
- [Akita Songs] A Collection of Gem-Like Local Tunes Filled with Love for Hometowns
- Akita Ondo: The Heart of Japan Passed Down in Song
- [Folk Songs and Children's Songs of Akita] A curated selection of local masterpieces that evoke love for one’s hometown
- Folk Songs, Children's Songs, and Nursery Rhymes of Aomori: Japanese Songs from Tsugaru and Hachinohe that Resonate with the Heart
- [Songs of Aomori] A collection of local songs depicting the grandeur of nature and the warmth of its people.
- Songs of Iwate: The Heart of Our Hometown Passed Down in Song | A Collection of Classics to Enjoy While Thinking of Iwate
- Folk songs, children's songs, and nursery rhymes of Iwate: the heart of the hometown passed down through song
- [Traditional Performing Arts of Okinawa] A special feature on classic Eisa songs that make you want to dance
- [Folk Songs of Yamagata] The Heart of Our Hometown Passed Down in Song: Feelings Woven into Nostalgic Melodies
- Beautiful Folk Songs Passed Down in Miyagi Prefecture: A Collection of Masterpieces that Play the Heart of the Hometown
- [Japanese Folk and Regional Songs] A Collection of Beloved Masterpieces from Across Japan, Brimming with Local Pride
- “Japanese Traditions”: Japanese Festival Music (Jun Hōgaku)
- [Hometown Songs] A curated selection of popular Japanese tracks that fill your heart with nostalgia
Donpan-bushi: The Japanese Spirit Passed Down in Song (1–10)
Donpan RockYu-Rei
They are a sibling unit of radio personalities Yumin Fujita and Reisha.
Their rock-style arrangements and rock vocals go beyond the folk-song flavor and sound irresistibly upbeat.
Whether kept as a traditional folk song or turned into rock, Donpan seems to be the kind of tune that lifts your spirits the moment it hits your ears.
Tsubasa’s Donpan-bushi Part 2Tsubasa
Originally from Akita City, she is active at live houses and events, based in both Akita and Tokyo.
I think she has completely brought the folk song Donpan-bushi into her own world and turned it into an interesting pop piece.
It seems many people dance to Tsubasa’s Donpan, giving the impression that folk music has opened up to younger generations.
Donpan-bushiDot dot
“Tenten” refers both to Ms.
Aki Takahashi, who plays the shamisen, and to the collective name for a group in Canada that creates and performs music with traditional Japanese instruments.
They delight audiences with folk songs and original works.
Having been familiar with the shamisen and singing since childhood, she brings a sense of life experience to her performances.
Donpan-bushi: The Heart of Japan Passed Down Through Song (11–20)
Donpan-bushiKorenande Trading Company
It’s a “music puppet variety show” performed by humans and puppets, broadcast on NHK Educational TV.
The shop owner of a trading company and the puppets present a 10-minute program woven with music and humor.
This time, they’re singing the Donpan-bushi because they want to become idols.
It’s a song that’s friendly and fun for children, too.
Donpan-bushiSasando music
The sasando is a traditional string instrument from Rote Island in Indonesia.
It is said to produce sound by tuning ten strings, and its delicate timbre in the higher register offers a flavor distinct from the cheerful liveliness of donpan.
Performing traditional Japanese pieces on a traditional Indonesian instrument—what a delightful collaboration.
Enmanzao Jinku DanceNakasen Donpan Dance Promotion and Preservation Association
It is said that the original Jinku was created by the master craftsman Emazō, known as the Hidari Jingorō of Tōhoku, and this is what is called the orthodox Donpan-bushi.
They say the rhythm of a wood-carving chisel was the hint.
A dance was born from it, many parody verses followed, and it has been cherished for a very long time.
DON PANHideaki Shishido
Composed in the wake of the first mandolin festival held in Akita in 2007, this piece is based on the Donpan-bushi and incorporates Akita folk songs.
The soothing mandolin performance and the arrangement that blends Donpan-bushi with Akita folk music evoke a sense of beauty not only of Tohoku but of Japan as a whole.