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?
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[Folk Songs and Children's Songs of Fukuoka] The History and Feelings Conveyed by the Beloved Melodies of Home (21–30)
Light of hopeMasaaki Kimura
This is the prefectural anthem of Fukuoka, established in 1970.
The lyrics were solicited from the public, and the winning entries were revised by the poet Yutaka Maruyama, who was born in Hirokawa Town in the prefecture.
The composition and arrangement were handled by Hachidai Nakamura, who once lived in Kurume City, and the completed work is “Light of Hope.” It is a powerful piece that embodies Japan’s period of rapid economic growth.
The Four Seasons of Hakata
Hakata’s Four Seasons is a parody of the Kyoto kabuki song, Kyoto’s Four Seasons, and it was widely sung in Hakata’s entertainment quarters from the late Meiji period.
There are four-seasons songs in various regions, but this one, too, has lyrics that vividly convey the seasonal atmosphere of Hakata.
Kuroda-bushiAkaska Koume
The Kuroda-bushi is a folk song that originated in Fukuoka City, Fukuoka Prefecture.
It was originally sung by samurai in Fukuoka and later spread throughout Japan.
Set to the melody of the gagaku piece “Etenraku,” it describes samurai banquets, and it is still often sung at drinking parties today.
Chikugo Ise Ondo
Ise Ondo is a folk song that was sung in Ise Province during the Edo period and spread throughout Japan, and the Chikugo Ise Ondo is one of its variants.
Centered on the Kawasaki version of “Ise Ondo,” it features the insertion of the popular counting song “Matsu-zukushi,” which is a distinctive trait of the Chikugo Ise Ondo.
Hakata Lullaby
Among lullabies, many have melancholic melodies or lyrics, but this song is bright and cheerful.
It began to be sung as a parlor song toward the end of the Taisho period and then spread.
On the shamisen, it is relatively easy for beginners to play and to sing, so it is still performed at recitals and competitions today.
Kanno-gaku
This is a drum dance handed down in Buzen City, Fukuoka Prefecture.
Performed as an offering at each shrine every two years, the dance embodies prayers for rain and for peace throughout the land.
It is characterized by majestic music that complements the powerful choreography, and the sight of dancers in elaborate costumes racing across the stage to the beat of the drums is truly breathtaking.
Treasured as a local cultural heritage, it is a source of pride for Buzen City.
The dance also fosters intergenerational exchange and strengthens community bonds.
Originating from nature worship and prayer rituals in agrarian society, it’s something you should see at least once.
Authentic Hakata Song
One of Fukuoka’s representative folk songs, the orthodox Hakata-bushi of the eastern townspeople’s district, Hakata, has long been sung mainly in the entertainment quarter.
As a parlor song, it is very difficult: the shamisen is played in a way that neither strictly follows nor separates from the vocals, so unless you truly understand both the singing and the shamisen, it is hard to perform.
In conclusion
In Fukuoka, there are many folk songs, children’s songs, and nursery rhymes that continue to stay in people’s hearts—from pieces that have spread nationwide to those lovingly preserved by the local community.
Whether you were born and raised in Fukuoka or are considering a visit, we invite you to spend a warm and reflective time with these featured songs, and feel the rich history of Fukuoka and the sentiments of its people.