Kumamoto has served as the setting for folk songs and children’s songs known throughout Japan, such as Otemoyan and Itsuki no Komoriuta.
These works vividly portray the grandeur of Aso’s natural landscape, the majestic figure of Kumamoto Castle, and the rhythms of everyday life.
From Taharabanzaka, which conveys the sorrow of the Satsuma Rebellion, to Higo Kome Ondo, which celebrates a bountiful harvest, each folk song passed down through the generations is deeply etched with Kumamoto’s history and culture.
In this article, we have gathered folk songs, children’s songs, and nursery rhymes from Kumamoto, imbued with love for the homeland and the joys of daily life.
Let us lend an ear to the world of song where the spirit of Kumamoto resides.
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- Collection of winter nursery rhymes, folk songs, and children's songs. Includes fun winter hand-play songs too.
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- The World of Kagoshima Folk Songs: Traditional Melodies that Carry On the Spirit of the Hometown
- Folksongs, children's songs, and nursery rhymes of Fukushima: the heart of our hometown passed down in song
Kumamoto folk songs, children’s songs, and nursery rhymes: The heart of our hometown handed down in song (1–10)
Kumamoto OndoLyrics by Hajime Shimada / Music by Yoshiji Nagatsu
Isn’t it a heartwarming song that conjures up images of Kumamoto’s beautiful nature and the cheerful smiles of the people who live there? Its slightly nostalgic, humorous lyrics and light, buoyant ondo melody are sure to lift listeners’ spirits.
This work has a warmth that gently accompanies those who want to reminisce about their hometown scenery or experience Kumamoto’s culture.
It will make you feel as if you’re right in the lively circle of a festival, enjoying the fun atmosphere.
KUMAKOI RokuchōshiYumi Kawamura
A folk-song arrangement brimming with passionate hometown pride.
Yumi Kawamura has revived a traditional song from the Kuma region in a contemporary style.
The lyrics depict the lively bustle of days gone by, while the rousing calls and responses lift your spirits.
After its CD release, a remixed version arrived in February 2017 and was also included on the album “Yumisaurus.” It’s become an essential soundtrack for local festivals and dance events, cherished as a track that conveys love for the community and brings energy to its listeners.
Give it a listen whenever you want to reflect on the landscapes of Kumamoto!
A Gift of Kumamoto Folk SongsKazuhiro Morita
A clarinet octet themed around four songs related to Kumamoto Prefecture, titled “A Gift of Kumamoto Folk Songs.” The four pieces— the children’s song “Antagata Dokosa” and the folk songs “Tabaruzaka,” “Itsuki Lullaby,” and “Otemoyan”—are arranged to highlight each piece’s unique character.
It’s an enjoyable work even if you’re not familiar with the original folk songs.
Where are you from?
The piece known by the name “Antagata Dokosa” has the official title “Higo Temari Song.” It is a children’s song set in the Semba district of Kumamoto City, Kumamoto Prefecture, and has long been loved as a handball song for girls.
On the syllable “sa,” you lift your foot and let the ball pass under it, and at “choi to kabuse,” you hide the ball with your skirt.
Many of you probably played with a ball while singing it as children, didn’t you?
Itsuki LullabyYukie Kubo
Among traditional lullabies passed down through the ages, “Itsuki no Komoriuta” is known nationwide.
When we hear “lullaby,” we tend to think of music for putting a baby to sleep, but this song voices the feelings of a young nursemaid entrusted with childcare.
It conveys the everyday lives of people from historically discriminated communities—realities that are hard to imagine today.
Listening with this context in mind, the song takes on a different resonance.
bling-blingMatsuko Sato
Kinkirakin is one of the few old folk songs that were sung in the castle town of Kumamoto since the days of the former feudal domains.
During the era of Lord Hosokawa Shigekata, the sixth lord of the Higo Kumamoto Domain, silk garments were banned under the frugality edicts of the Hōreki Reforms.
Since silk was then called kinkira, it is said that this folk song emerged as a satire of those frugality policies.
Samba OtemoyanOtemo TRIBE
“Samba Otemoyan” was born as a song by Otemo TRIBE, a group formed for Kumamoto’s reconstruction theme and made up of Kumamoto-born supporters of the project—Korokke, Kengo Kora, Kiyoko Suizenji, and Potchomkin.
It’s very popular among young people, and you can imagine a future where it’s sung alongside “Otemoyan,” the folk song that represents Kumamoto.
We also recommend listening to and comparing the two tracks.