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 Heart of Japan Passed Down Through Song (11–20)
Chamber Music: Akita PlainMika Goto
This is a concert at Akita International University.
The piece is based on the motif of the Donpan-bushi.
Its lighthearted Donpan elements are beautifully woven in without disturbing the tranquil atmosphere of the plains, making it utterly captivating.
The violin’s tone is exquisite, evoking the lush green of the Akita Plain.
Donpan-bushiJapanese Folk Song Club
It seems there are Japanese folk song clubs all over Japan, each actively and enthusiastically engaged in their activities.
They are indispensable at festivals and for visits to facilities.
You can listen with ease, and there’s an atmosphere that invites everyone to sing and dance together.
They convey the charm and nostalgia of folk songs.
Donpan-bushiUmewaka Umekiyo
He was a master of the Akita shamisen.
Through his shamisen playing and singing, he captivated many people and made significant contributions to promoting Akita folk songs.
He also trained many successors and was known as a person of great character.
Indeed, his personality seems to be reflected in his clear, beautiful tone, which resonates pleasantly in the ear.
Donpan-bushiFolk Song Band Komachi
This is a three-woman folk music band consisting of a vocalist, a shamisen player, and a wadaiko/synthesizer player.
True to their motto of making folk songs “fun, splendid, and powerful,” they perform the Donpan Bushi in a way that draws the audience in and keeps things lively.
The sense of unity makes you feel like you enjoyed the folk music together with them.
Love Donpan BushiKei Mizuki
It’s a fun enka song arranged from the Donpan Bushi.
It brightly, energetically, and even humorously sings of a maiden in love.
It has a lively spirit, like fireworks bursting into the sky.
I hear Ms.
Mizuki is currently on hiatus, which is a shame.
I’d love to hear her voice again.
Donpan-bushiKohei Fukuda
The Donpan Bushi does have basic lyrics, but you can also play with them and write your own, turning it into an entertaining song.
Here too, the venue instantly brightened and a sense of unity emerged.
Sayuri-san is bouncing with energy as well.
Donpan Bushi: The Japanese Spirit Passed Down in Song (21–30)
Donpan-bushiKohei Fukuda
They seemed to have suddenly appeared a few years ago, but they’re a skilled performer who has racked up victories in various competitions.
Their distinctive voice carries a grounded persuasiveness whether singing folk songs or enka.
That unforced, gentle singing style puts people at ease—how nice.
I hear they still live in Morioka City.