Fukuoka’s folk songs and children’s rhymes: History and sentiments conveyed by the nostalgic melodies of home
In Fukuoka, where rich history and culture thrive, the moving strains of folk songs still flow.
From the current of the Ongagawa River and the canals of Yanagawa to the bustle of Nakasu, the stories woven in this land live on in folk songs passed down through generations.
In this article, we have gathered folk songs, children’s songs, and nursery rhymes born in Fukuoka.
From Tankō-bushi, the soul of coal miners, to Kuroda-bushi, which conveys the pride of samurai—timeless classics that many have heard, even if they weren’t born in Fukuoka.
Wrapped in warm, nostalgic melodies, why not experience the spirit of Fukuoka as painted through music?
- A famous song about Fukuoka. The heart of the hometown passed down through song.
- Fukuoka’s folk songs and children’s rhymes: History and sentiments conveyed by the nostalgic melodies of home
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- [Folk Songs of Yamagata] The Heart of Our Hometown Passed Down in Song: Feelings Woven into Nostalgic Melodies
- Kyoto’s folk songs, children’s songs, and nursery rhymes: the enduring spirit of our hometown passed down through song.
- Okinawan folk songs, children’s songs, and nursery rhymes: the heart of our hometown passed down through song.
- The World of Kagoshima Folk Songs: Traditional Melodies that Carry On the Spirit of the Hometown
- Folk songs, children’s songs, and nursery rhymes of Kumamoto: the enduring spirit of our hometown passed down through song.
- Folk songs, children's songs, and nursery rhymes of Hiroshima: the enduring heart of our hometown, passed down through song.
- Folksongs, children's songs, and nursery rhymes of Fukushima: the heart of our hometown passed down in song
- Folk songs, children's songs, and nursery rhymes of Toyama: the enduring heart of our hometown passed down through song
[Fukuoka Folk Songs and Nursery Rhymes] The History and Sentiments Conveyed by the Nostalgic Melodies of Home (11–20)
Chikugo Sake Brewing Song
Chikugo City has long prospered as a town of sake brewing, blessed with high-quality rice from the Chikugo Plain and water from the Chikugo River.
Because Chikugo’s sake incorporated the brewing techniques of Nada in Hyogo Prefecture, this sake-brewing song was also created under the influence of Nada.
It is said that there are various versions of the “sake-brewing songs,” one for each stage of the process.
Hakata Dontaku
“Dontaku” comes from the Dutch word “zondag,” meaning holiday or day of rest, which changed in pronunciation to “dontaku.” Around 1897, a lullaby that had been sung in the Osaka area was made more lively and began to be sung during the parade of the Hakata Dontaku festival.
Hakata-bushi
These are precious recordings preserved on record.
It’s said to be originally a folk song from the San’in region, but it must have made its way to Hakata by land and sea.
It’s quite common that songs turn out to be the same at their roots even if their melodies differ slightly, but even so, folk music is truly profound.
Bonchi is cute.
“Bonchi” means “boy.” This song, “Bonchi Kawaiya,” is a dance tune and theme song for Hakata Dontaku, loved by the people of Fukuoka.
When it was first composed around the late Meiji period, it had only the first verse; the subsequent verses are said to have been added later.
mottsukibō
A play song from Jonan Ward, Fukuoka City.
Play songs that let you interact closely with children are created and passed down in various dialects across different regions.
This one, “Mokkiribō,” has a laid-back rhythm, so it seems perfect for taking your time and playing while facing your child.
abacus dance
This is a folk song passed down in Kurume City, Fukuoka Prefecture, also known as the “Kurume Weaving Song.” The Chikugo region of Fukuoka was known for its thriving loom weaving.
At drinking parties, local gentlemen would playfully pretend to be weaving girls—tying a tenugui over their heads and slinging on a sash—while clicking abacuses held in both hands, singing and dancing in a humorous, lively manner.
That is the origin of this song.
[Folk Songs and Children's Songs of Fukuoka] The History and Feelings Conveyed by the Beloved Melodies of Home (21–30)
Hakata Kacchiri-bushi
The origins of the Hakata Kacchiri-bushi are not well understood.
One theory says it was sung and danced to during the Bon festival at Tōchō-ji Temple on Mount Nangaku in the Edo period.
It is characterized by a slightly Okinawan folk-song-like atmosphere.
It is said to be often sung at drinking gatherings.