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

[Japanese Folk and Regional Songs] A Collection of Beloved Masterpieces from Across Japan, Brimming with Local Pride

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.

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.

[Japanese Folk and Regional Songs] A Collection of Beloved Classics from Across Japan Filled with Local Pride (51–60)

Mogami River Boat SongHiroyukijo

Folk Song / Mogami River Boatmen’s Song <Yamagata>

Mogami River Boat Song Hironojō

It is a folk song originating from Aterazawa in Ōe Town, Nishimurayama District, Yamagata Prefecture, and is said to have been newly reworked.

Compared to other folk songs, it seems to have a more tear-jerking melody.

I believe the person performing this vocal is an ordinary, elderly man, but he has an astonishingly good voice.

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Dekansho BushiToshiyuki Tsuchitori

Dekansho Bushi / Toshiyuki Tsuchitori (vocals, shamisen, drum)

Dekansho-bushi Tsuchitori Toshiyuki

The “Dekansho-bushi” is a folk song sung as a Bon Odori dance song, primarily in Sasayama City, Hyogo Prefecture.

It is said to be a variation of the “Mitsu-bushi,” which had been sung in the Sasayama area since the Edo period.

Recognized as an Intangible Cultural Property of Sasayama City, it was selected in 2015 (Heisei 27) by the Agency for Cultural Affairs as one of the first 18 Japan Heritage sites, under the title “Tamba Sasayama Dekansho-bushi — Memories of the Hometown Passed Down in Song.

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Yosakoi Naruko Dance SongJessica Shioya

2008 Youth Folk Song and Dance All-Japan Competition — Shioya Jessica

Yosakoi Naruko Odori Song Shioya Jessica

This is the “Yosakoi Naruko Dance Song” performed by Jessica Shioya, who won the 2008 All-Japan Youth Minyo and Folk Dance Competition.

If you underestimate her because she’s a young girl, you’ll be amazed by how incredibly good her voice is.

It’s impressive how she can deliver such a performance with such an innocent expression.

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Asadoya YuntaRimi Natsukawa

"Asadoya Yunta" Rimi Natsukawa (Ryukyu Traditional Song and Dance Troupe Team Ryujin)

Asadoya Yunta Natsukawa Rimi

Asadoya Yunta is an Okinawan folk song passed down in the Yaeyama Islands.

It humorously depicts the exchanges between Kuyama Asadoya, a peerless beauty who actually lived on Taketomi Island during the Ryukyu Kingdom era, and an official who fell in love with her at first sight.

The song spread nationwide after a record release in 1934.

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[Japanese Folk Songs / Regional Songs] A Collection of Beloved Masterpieces from Across Japan (61–70)

Mount Bandai of AizuKouta Katsutaro

Hauta Aizu Bandai-san

Aizu Bandai Mountain Kouta by Katsutaro

Aizu Bandaisan is a folk song handed down in the Aizu region of Fukushima Prefecture, derived from Genyo-bushi—a local song from Aizu—repurposed as a Bon dance tune.

Along with Gujo Odori and Awa Odori, it is counted among the three great folk songs of Japan.

In 1934 (Showa 9), a version sung by Kouta Katsutaro was named “Aizu Bandaisan,” released as a record, and spread nationwide.

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Tokunoshima Folk Song “Hayari-bushi”Eisho Kawamoto

Tokunoshima folk song “Hayari-bushi” (Futagami-gari-bushi, Michi-bushi, Tokunoshima-bushi)

Tokunoshima folk song “Hayari-bushi” by Eisho Kawamoto

I was surprised to learn that there are so many folk songs on Tokunoshima.

I had thought there were more folk songs in Tohoku and Hokkaido, but in reality there may be even more in Kagoshima and Okinawa.

This song is also well-known and cherished locally.

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Tokunoshima Folk Song: 'After Sankyo'Eisho Kawamoto

Tokunoshima Folk Song: 'After Sankyo'

Tokunoshima Folk Song “Mikyō nu Guusu” Eisho Kawamoto

It’s said to be a folk song from Tokunoshima that sings about relationships between men and women.

Even as times and music genres change, the themes people sing about are pretty much always the same.

The man performing this song is also an excellent shamisen player and a person of remarkable talent.

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