Donpan-bushi: The Heart of Japan Passed Down in Song

Donpan Beat Part 1Akita folk songs

Donpan Beat Part 1

It’s an exhilarating Donpan that makes the stage feel small.

It’s almost like watching a dance show.

The continuous flurry of drumbeats is powerful, too.

This kind of exhilaration, just like in traditional Bon Odori, still energizes people.

Donpan truly serves as a source of vitality.

Piano duet piece: Donpan-bushiAkita folk songs

Piano duet piece “Donpan-bushi,” an Akita folk song, for four hands on the piano.

It’s a simple Donpan piece for piano alone.

There’s no ornamentation, but by making it a duet, it brings out not only the folk song’s simplicity but also a sense of strength, and I felt the piece’s world expand.

Lively Donpan is nice, but a classical resonance is appealing too.

R&B&M Donpan-bushiJiro Fuefuki and the Donpan Respects

[H] R&B & M “Donpan-bushi”

Honestly, I’m not sure how I’m supposed to appreciate it, but this kind of approach is valid too.

The pairing of a thoroughly pop world with the shinobue flute is interesting.

I’ve heard the “M” in R&B&M stands for minyo (folk music).

It’s amazing how Donpan still shines so brilliantly even with this kind of arrangement.

Kayoko's Donpan SongMiyama Natsuyōko

Kayoko’s Donpan Bushi by Natsuyoko Miyama: “Kayoko Miyama: Donpan Bushi”

She’s a jazz vocalist, though some people call her a voice alchemist.

Indeed, this Donpan sounds less like a conventional song and more like a showcase of her diverse vocal expressions—at times like a chorus, at times like an instrument.

It was a unique take on Donpan.

Donpan-bushiMisato Jazz Orchestra

Donpan-bushi, Akita folk song, Misato Jazz Orchestra

I don’t think Misato Town in Akita Prefecture is a large town, but I was surprised to find out it has a jazz orchestra.

Apparently, it’s a full-fledged group made up of people in their 30s to 50s.

It’s popular at annual concerts as well as ceremonies and events.

It’s nice to be able to hear jazz played with familiar, well-known tunes close to home.

Donpan-bushiMasao Suzuki

Donpan-bushi

It is said to have come to be called the Donpan-bushi because people sang it with rhythmic chants while working.

What is heard today is the version that spread as a parlor song.

The dance is performed in a circle like a Bon dance, and it seems to be danced with various moves in different parts of Akita Prefecture.

Donpan-bushiVictor Boys Folk Song Society

From Victor Shonen Minyo-kai, Minyo Pride of Our Nation, Vol. 1: Donpan-bushi

The Victor Youth Folk Song Association produced many figures connected to folk music, including Yoko Nagayama.

Donpan-bushi is included in the first volume of “Folk Song Pride of Our Country.” It has a classic, orthodox feel, properly conveying through its lyrics the importance of singing and dancing, cherishing one’s homeland, and valuing people.