[Folk and Children's Songs of Hokkaido] Songs of Hokkaido that continue to be loved across generations
The folk songs and children’s songs that resound across Hokkaido’s land carry the lives, joys, and prayers of people who have long faced its harsh nature.
Traditional music such as Esashi Oiwake and Soran Bushi has been passed down across generations and remains deeply rooted in many hearts today.
In this article, we introduce beloved classics—folk songs, children’s songs, and nursery rhymes—that have been handed down in Hokkaido and are still cherished today.
Why not lend an ear to these nostalgic melodies and feel the allure of music nurtured by the northern land?
- [2025] Masterpieces that sing of Hokkaido: The enduring heart of our homeland passed down in song
- December children's songs, folk songs, and nursery rhymes: fun winter hand-play songs
- Ranking of Popular Folk Songs
- Collection of winter nursery rhymes, folk songs, and children's songs. Includes fun winter hand-play songs too.
- 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 Aomori: Japanese Songs from Tsugaru and Hachinohe that Resonate with the Heart
- Beautiful Folk Songs Passed Down in Miyagi Prefecture: A Collection of Masterpieces that Play the Heart of the Hometown
- Okinawan folk songs, children’s songs, and nursery rhymes: the heart of our hometown passed down through song.
- Tokushima’s Folk Songs, Children’s Songs, and Nursery Rhymes | Traditional Songs Rooted in the Region, Including Awa Odori
- Folk songs, children's songs, and nursery rhymes of Iwate: the heart of the hometown passed down through song
- Folk songs, children's songs, and nursery rhymes of Toyama: the enduring heart of our hometown passed down through song
- Niigata’s folk songs, children’s songs, and nursery rhymes: the heart of our hometown 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 and Children's Songs of Hokkaido: Beloved Hokkaido Songs Across the Ages (21–30)
Hokkai Nikata-bushiHokkaido folk song
It is said to have been brought over from Niigata toward the end of the Edo period, when Esashi was bustling with herring fishing.
The “Nikata-bushi” is said to have gotten its name from the local pronunciation of Niigata.
The shamisen is the highlight, and even just listening to the masterful plectrum technique is truly powerful.
Donan KudokiKeiko Kawasaki
It includes place names from Hakodate to Isoya.
Since it contains the syllable “sae,” it’s also called the Sae-bushi.
At any rate, an amusing number of place names appear.
Some of them are ones you wouldn’t recognize unless you’re familiar with Hokkaido, so it’s worth listening carefully.
[Hokkaido Folk Songs and Children's Songs] Hokkaido Songs Loved Across Generations (31–40)
wave-initial sound
It is said to be a song sung to make the rowers align their oar tips when setting out to the herring grounds.
Ezo’n is a three-member Japanese pop band that values traditional performing arts and powerfully delivers folk songs that everyone can enjoy by combining Japanese instruments with piano and guitar.
Hokkai Bon UtaMichiya Mihashi
It’s a Bon Odori song from Otaru.
Because it had become so familiar as the theme song of The Drifters’ “It’s 8 o’clock! Everyone Gather Round,” it felt more like a popular TV tune than a folk song.
However, since Mr.
Mihashi’s version was apparently a million-seller, you could say The Drifters’ hit was built on that foundation.
Hakodate Port Song ~ Ain't It Nice?Motoharu Sasaki
It seems like a lively festival that the entire citizenry of Hakodate took part in.
The lyrics aren’t just about tourist spots—they’re filled with the genuine warmth of the people of Hakodate.
Rather than a city anthem, it feels like a song of the citizens, expressed in the simple phrase “iin de naikai” (Isn’t that nice?).
Hokkai Yosare-bushiHokkaido folk song
It is said to be one of Hokkaido’s two major Bon festival songs, alongside the Hokkai Bon Uta.
The Yosare-bushi is believed to have come to Hokkaido around the mid-Meiji period after traveling from Echigo through the Tohoku region.
It then grew in popularity and became a representative Bon dance song.
Singing and dancing—this is the true essence of the Bon Odori.
Tourist Asahikawa OndoHokkaido folk song
In August, it seems there’s a citizen dance parade on the main street during the Asahikawa Summer Festival.
The song playing goes something like, “I meant to stay one night, but Asahikawa is so nice I’ll stay another,” capturing how delightful the city is.
The tune was composed as the theme song for the 1950 Hokkaido Development Grand Exposition.