Folk songs, children's songs, and nursery rhymes of Iwate: the heart of the hometown passed down through song

Nanbu Cattle Drover's SongIwate Prefectural Folk Song

Nambu Cattle-Driving Song (Iwate Prefecture Folk Song)

This is a folk song of Iwate Prefecture that, with its wistful melody and deep emotion, conveys the climate and history of the Nanbu region of Iwate to the present day.

Born as a work song for people driving cattle—indispensable for farming and transport—it has taken root in the community and been passed down across generations.

It was recorded in the early Showa period by Victor and Columbia, bringing it nationwide recognition.

Frequently featured in Iwate’s tourism promotions and educational programs, it is also an essential presence at local festivals and events.

Best enjoyed while envisioning Iwate’s majestic natural scenery, this piece is perfect for those who feel a longing for their hometown or who wish to experience traditional Japanese music.

Happy HinamatsuriSadako Kuwana

Happy Hinamatsuri (with lyrics) Sadako Kuwana

It’s a children’s song with lyrics by Hachirō Satō, so popular that it was selected as one of the Top 100 Japanese Songs.

Many people may remember singing it when they were children.

In fact, there are some inaccuracies in its depiction of hina dolls, and it seems that Hachirō Satō remained concerned about this well into his later years.

Kurukuru-bushiKayōkai / Hanamizuki

The 39th Folk Dance Gathering: Kurukuru-bushi — Kayokai Hanamizuki

In the rural areas of present-day Ichinoseki, handmade washi paper has been produced since long ago.

This song was sung while stirring the dissolved kōzo (paper mulberry).

There is also a theory that it originally came from performers who visited during the New Year, and that farmers learned and began to sing it themselves.

Nambu Cattle-Driving SongKohei Fukuda

Nambu Cattle-Driving Song by Kohei Fukuda

This song was sung by ox drivers when transporting rice grown in areas such as the Sawauchi region of Nishiwaga Town to the castle town where the rice storehouses were located.

Incidentally, the National Nambu Cattle-Driving Song Competition is held in the large hall of the town civic center in Iwaizumi Town on the last Saturday and Sunday of every September.

Little Cedar of the MountainHibari Children's Chorus

Children's Song Medley - Shoka (School Song) “Oyama no Suginoko” by the Hibari Children's Choir, 70th Anniversary Commemorative Concert, Track 05 / #children’schoir #childrenssongmedley #childrenssongs #shoka #childrenschorus

“Oyama no Suginoko” is also known as one of Hachiro Sato’s representative songs, but the original lyrics were written by a different lyricist.

It was originally a song meant to encourage children whose fathers had died in the war, but because it was considered too war-themed, Hachiro Sato revised it into the current lyrics.

Sansa Odori SongIwate Prefectural Koromogata High School Music Club

Sansa Odori Song ♪ Iwate Prefectural Koromogata High School Music Club

It’s a rousing song sung during the Bon dance called “Sansa Odori.” Sansa Odori was originally performed separately in each local area, but in 1978 these were consolidated—also to promote tourism—into “Morioka Sansa Odori.” It is held every year from August 1 to 4.

Nambu Long-Life SongAkira Nakayashiki

Nambu Nagamochi Song (Minyo Hatakeyama Association)

Nagaochi-uta is a song sung at weddings, and its name originally comes from the practice of carrying a nagamochi (a long storage chest) and singing during the bridal procession.

This song has been passed down in places such as Shizukuishi Town and Nishiwaga Town.

There seem to have been various customs, such as singing different lyrics at the groom’s house and the bride’s house.