[Japanese Folk and Regional Songs] A Collection of Beloved Masterpieces from Across Japan, Brimming with Local Pride
From north to south, the traditional singing voices passed down across Japan are treasures of each region.
Perhaps you, too, have a memorable song that your grandparents or parents sang to you when you were a child—or one you sang together.
Folk songs, woven with the lives, cultures, and sentiments of their native places, have been sung across generations.
In this article, we introduce a selection of Japanese folk songs that resonate with the heart.
As you listen to the nostalgic melodies of hometowns, let us touch the spirit and landscape of Japan.
- Ranking of Popular Folk Songs
- Folk songs you’ll want to sing at karaoke: classic and popular tunes everyone can enjoy
- Nostalgic Children’s Songs, Folk Songs, and Nursery Rhymes: The Heart of Japan Passed Down Through Song
- [Folk and Children's Songs of Hokkaido] Songs of Hokkaido that continue to be loved across generations
- [Hometown Songs] A curated selection of popular Japanese tracks that fill your heart with nostalgia
- Japanese shoka (school songs). Nostalgic tunes, songs of the heart.
- Folk songs, children’s songs, and nursery rhymes of Osaka: the enduring spirit of our hometown carried on in song
- A folk song singer. The enduring heart of their hometown
- Folksongs, children's songs, and nursery rhymes of Fukushima: the heart of our hometown passed down in song
- Folk Songs of the World | Hometown Songs Passed Down Abroad
- Soran Bushi: The heart of Japan passed down through song
- The Spirit of Japan: A Collection of Famous and Popular Shamisen Pieces
- Folk Songs, Children's Songs, and Nursery Rhymes of Aomori: Japanese Songs from Tsugaru and Hachinohe that Resonate with the Heart
[Japanese Folk Songs / Regional Songs] A Collection of Beloved Masterpieces from Across Japan Filled with Local Pride (31–40)
Nambu Cattle-Driving Song
The folk song handed down in Iwate Prefecture is this “Nanbu Ushioi Uta” (Nanbu Cattle-Driver’s Song).
In this video, performed at the Utsunomiya City Hall, she delivers her singing with overwhelming vocal power despite it not being an acoustically favorable environment.
I believe a woman like this is a true artist.
Tokunoshima Folk Song 'Dondon Bushi'
This folk song isn’t quite as well-known as the Soran Bushi, but even I know it, so it’s famous enough to be widely recognized.
It’s said to have originated in the Meiji era, when a rōkyoku performer was pounding away on a Japanese drum backstage.
It’s a great tune, so I recommend this folk song.
Japanese Folk Song MedleyMatsudo Guitar Club
This is a scene from the full ensemble stage at the regular concert.
I believe everyone is an amateur, but their performance level is remarkably high.
Performing the challenging genre of folk songs as a medley must be difficult, yet the way they present it with such calm assurance is impressive.
Kari Kan Kiri Uta (The Hay-Cutting Song)
A little girl, like an elementary schooler, is delivering the folk song “Karibakikiri-uta,” a representative folk tune of Miyazaki Prefecture, with overwhelming vocal power.
She has a remarkable voice—perhaps the kind of child whose talent could make her a singer in the future.
This folk song is said to be a work song traditionally sung while cutting grass used for fodder.
Tokunoshima folk song “Waidobushi”
“Wide-bushi” is a folk song about bullfighting on Tokunoshima in the Amami Islands of Kagoshima Prefecture.
It features a more exhilarating rhythm than traditional folk songs, making it easier to call out cheers.
Today, it has become an indispensable and cherished local song for traditional events and festivals.
[Japanese Folk and Regional Songs] A Collection of Beloved Classics from Across Japan Brimming with Local Pride (41–50)
Tsuki nu Bishya (Yaeyama folk song)Masaya&Yuzo
It’s a famous Okinawan folk song, said to have originated in the Yaeyama region, including Ishigaki Island.
When people think of Okinawan folk music, many are reminded of BEGIN, and indeed the distinctive, unhurried melody and the way it’s sung are similar.
Although it’s a folk song, you could say it doesn’t quite feel like one.
Konpira FunefuneVictor Boys Folk Song Society
Konpira Funefune is an old folk song themed around Kotohira-gu Shrine in Kagawa Prefecture.
It is also known as a tune used for ozashiki-asobi and ochaya entertainment performed with maiko and geiko at Japanese-style hot spring inns, teahouses, banquets, and traditional restaurants.
In modern times, it is also often danced at festivals.