Niigata’s folk songs, children’s songs, and nursery rhymes: the heart of our hometown passed down in song
Niigata Prefecture is known for hosting traditional Bon dances and festivals, as well as for its large area of rice cultivation and high yields.
We’ve selected many folk songs and children’s songs related to Niigata, including pieces themed around Sado Island.
Folk songs, which are often performed at festivals, convey a lively, festive atmosphere through their rhythmic sounds.
It’s also recommended to explore the background behind songs like “Sado Okesa,” which are beloved across Japan.
Be sure to listen to the folk and children’s songs that showcase the charm of each region of Niigata.
Niigata folk songs, children's songs, and nursery rhymes: The heart of our hometown passed down in song (1–10)
Teradomari O-kesaTsukiko Fujino
Teradomari Oke-sa, where Tsukiko Fujinoi’s beautiful singing blends with Chiyoe Oya’s powerful shamisen and taiko, is a gem brimming with warmth and the living traditions of Niigata.
Recorded in 1969 (Showa 44), it stands out for its strong artistry and regional flavor.
It has the charm to transport listeners to the scene, and its pleasant rhythm irresistibly makes you want to move.
Perfect for anyone seeking music rich in local color! This masterpiece is included on the album Definitive Edition: Japanese Folk Songs, and is highly recommended for those who want to savor Niigata’s rich culture.
Echigo OiwakeSetsumi Suzuki
Sung by Setsumi Suzuki, “Echigo Oiwake” evokes the rich, nostalgic atmosphere of Niigata Prefecture.
Originating in Oiwake-juku in Nagano, it spread nationwide during the Meiji era.
Carried by shakuhachi and shamisen accompaniment, Suzuki’s voice washes over listeners like waves.
Its warm, lightly swinging feel conjures the joyful yet wistful days of one’s hometown, leaving a lingering impression.
A song that lets people of any generation easily enjoy the enduring charm of folk music in the modern day!
Niitsu Matsuzaka
Listening to Niitsu Matsuzaka, a song that conveys the spirit of Niigata, conjures up images of Japan’s original rural landscape.
It is said that this song was passed down by the Sengoku-era warlord Niitsu Tanba-no-kami Katsusuke to comfort his people, and it remains beloved in the local community today.
The lively notes sung over the flute’s rhythm evoke the energy of summer festivals.
And at the annual Matsuzaka-nagashi held every August, you can witness this tradition firsthand.
Why not experience the bonds of the community nurtured through dance and children’s songs for yourself as a listener? Niigata’s richly colored folk music is sure to warm your heart.
Kasugayama-bushiMasao Suzuki
Mr.
Somao Gofu, who wrote the lyrics, was a poet and critic from Itoigawa City in Niigata Prefecture.
Mr.
Shimpei Nakayama, who composed the music, was a composer from Nagano Prefecture.
Through the collaboration of these two, Niigata’s new folk song “Kasugayama-bushi” was born.
Sung by the second-generation folk singer Masao Suzuki, “Kasugayama-bushi” is a folk song that also delights with its lively hayashi interjections.
Yoneyama Jinku
The Niigata folk song “Yoneyama Jinku,” imbued with heartfelt spirit, captivates listeners with its rhythmic melody and emotionally rich lyrics.
Particularly popular in Tokyo during the mid-Meiji period and beloved nationwide by geisha singers in the early Showa era, this piece remains vibrant today, passed down by many without losing its luster.
A historic song living on in the present is truly a cultural treasure.
Interwoven with the natural beauty and culture of Niigata, “Yoneyama Jinku” is also recommended for those who wish to feel a deep sense of hometown pride.
Summer has comeSakunosuke Koyama
“Natsu wa Kinu” was composed by Sakunosuke Koyama, who was born in Joetsu City, Niigata Prefecture (formerly Ogata Town).
The lyrics were written by Nobutsuna Sasaki, a tanka poet and scholar of classical Japanese literature.
Koyama studied at the Tokyo Music School (now Tokyo University of the Arts) and is also known for his dedication to music education.
The title “Natsu ga Kinu” means “Summer Has Come.”
Ryōtsu Jinku
Ryotsu Jinku is a folk song that vividly reflects the character of Niigata Prefecture.
Adorning the Bon Odori on Sado Island, this piece captivates listeners with rhythms and lyrics that offer glimpses of local scenery and everyday life.
The words in the song evoke picturesque landscapes that recall the charm of bygone days.
Stirring a deep sense of nostalgia, this work is truly a gem that Niigata can take pride in.
It’s a song I wholeheartedly recommend to anyone who wants to rediscover Niigata’s allure through folk music!