Lovely nursery rhymes, folk songs, and children's songs

[Folk and Children's Songs of Hokkaido] Songs of Hokkaido that continue to be loved across generations

Accompanist / Piano InstructorYuri
Accompanist pianist × piano instructor × web writer. I began piano lessons at age four and, inspired by my piano teacher, decided to pursue music. I went on to specialized music programs in high school and university, where I discovered the appeal of accompanying instrumentalists and singers. Currently, alongside teaching piano, I work mainly in my home region of Aichi as an accompanist for flute, voice, choir, and more. Through lessons, my students often introduce me to trending songs, and my hobby is trying anything on the piano—Japanese and Western pop, commercial jingles, and beyond. Since 2021, I’ve also been active as a web writer, covering music and a variety of other genres.

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?

[Hokkaido Folk Songs and Children's Songs] Hokkaido Songs Loved Across the Ages (41–50)

Tokachi Horse SongHikonobu Otsuka

Hikonobu Otsuka — Tokachi Horse Song

Tokachi Horse Song, Hikonobu Otsuka

This is a new folk song from Hokkaido, created in 1965 (Showa 40).

It is said to have been composed with the hope of becoming a cultural asset that would endure for a hundred years.

Its relaxed melody evokes the vast Tokachi Plain.

You can picture horses frolicking and playing in nature.

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Pirika PirikaSuzuyo Iwasaki, Children's Choir

Nursery rhyme Pirika Pirika (Ainu regional children's song)

Pirika Pirika Suzuyo Iwasaki, Children's Choir

This is a traditional children’s song that has been sung in Ainu regions since long ago.

In Ainu, pirka is said to mean “beautiful” or “good.” The song expresses happiness by saying, “Today is a good day.” It’s a slow, cute tune that quickly sticks in your head and leaves you with a warm, cozy feeling.

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Net Hoisting ChantAichi Gakuin University Glee Club

Amiokoshi Ondo – Kan Ishii – Three Male Chorus Pieces Based on Japanese Folk Songs

Amiokoshi Ondo Aichi Gakuin University Glee Club

This is a work song sung to synchronize the fishermen’s hand-over-hand pulling as they line up to haul in the nets.

The original song is the “Okihiki Kiyari,” chanted by parishioners when they pull the timber for the Shikinen Sengu of Ise Grand Shrine, and it is said to have gradually spread throughout the country.

The chorus’s dignified resonance feels sacred.

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Departure SongKenkichi Muraki

Defune Ondo / Kenkichi Muraki

Funade Ondo Muraki Kenkichi

It’s said to have been created in 1959 with Hakodate Port as its theme.

It’s sung in a way that pleasantly captures the spirited vigor of a young fisherman setting out to sea.

Up-tempo and more of a buoyant, self-rousing song than a folk tune, it carries a touch of nostalgic old-time rhythm.

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In conclusion

The many pieces of music, folk traditions, and children’s songs passed down in Hokkaido have been nurtured amid its rich nature and the lives of its people.

The charm of Hokkaido’s simple, heartwarming songs continues to resonate in our hearts across generations.

We hope they will continue to be sung and preserved as a cherished cultural heritage.