Tokushima’s Folk Songs, Children’s Songs, and Nursery Rhymes | Traditional Songs Rooted in the Region, Including Awa Odori
In Tokushima Prefecture, where abundant nature and traditional culture thrive, many traditional songs vividly depict the land of Awa and the lives of its people.
From work songs sung during farm labor and Bon dance songs to lullabies, Tokushima’s folk songs—passed down through daily life—are filled with charms worth sharing across generations.
In this article, we have gathered a selection of Tokushima’s captivating folk songs, children’s songs, and nursery rhymes.
Why not lend an ear to a musical world, born in Tokushima and lovingly carried on by locals, where nostalgia and freshness blend together?
Tokushima Folk Songs, Children's Songs, and Nursery Rhymes | Traditional Songs Rooted in the Region, Including Awa Odori (1–10)
Iya Jinkufolk song
This is a banquet song handed down in the Iya region of Tokushima Prefecture, featuring lively interplay between shamisen, flutes, and drums.
Long cherished as a “noisy song,” it captivates with a rousing brightness that seems to translate the joy of gathering and the energy of festivals directly into sound—heightening the cheerful atmosphere of any feast.
Recorded on CD by folk singers, it is also used as teaching material at folk-dance workshops, together with choreography by artists such as Umeto Umeno.
It’s a perfect piece for everyone to join the dance circle at festivals and community events.
season and weatherfolk song
This work is a folk song from Tokushima Prefecture whose relaxed shamisen and flute tones invite listeners on a journey through history.
There are various theories about it: some say merchants once popularized the song to spread their own brands, while others claim it is the very origin of the Awa Odori dance.
Even today, it is sometimes performed at local events and is carefully preserved as a profound piece deeply rooted in the community.
Why not lend an ear to these traditional sounds, filled with the romance of history and the pulse of everyday life?
Naruto-bushifolk song
The relaxed tones of the shamisen seem to invite you into the tranquil seascapes of Naruto in Tokushima.
This work is a new folk song that evokes a sense of nostalgia, depicting scenes of traveling plovers and seagulls.
Its lyrical melody is interspersed with lively calls, which brighten the atmosphere—a key part of its charm.
Today, you can hear it on CDs featuring folk songs, and it is also enjoyed at cultural promotion events hosted by the prefecture.
In addition, the July 2020 album Awa Hyakkei includes recordings based on field tapes from 1988.
Why not lend an attentive ear to these Japanese sounds while reflecting on the landscape and spirit of Tokushima?
Awa Folk Songfolk song
Set to the light, lilting tones of the shamisen, this parlor song vividly evokes the rich atmosphere of Tokushima.
Its poetic worldview—depicting the current that flows toward Awa transforming into the majestic whirlpools of Naruto—captivates the listener.
The track appears on the album “Songs of Awa: Parlor Songs 1,” alongside roughly fifteen other regional folk songs.
Part of its appeal lies in the narrative of reviving a culture on the verge of being lost.
As you listen to the nostalgic melody, you may feel as though you’re journeying through Tokushima yourself.
Awa dances — becoming a whirlfolk song
It’s a striking piece with a dynamic progression that depicts calm waters spiraling into a swell of frenzy.
Based on the Tokushima folk song “Awa Yoshikono,” the shakuhachi, shamisen, and koto intertwine beautifully, drawing listeners into a whirlpool of sound.
Released in December 2022 as the third single by the folk-recomposition unit MIKAGE PROJECT, the track had its live premiere at the Tokushima Awa Odori Association’s New Year performance in January 2023.
It’s the perfect song for when you want to feel a fresh breath in traditional music or experience the energy of Awa Odori.
Thread-Pulling Songfolk song
A song handed down in Yamashiro, Tokushima, sung to the rhythm of hand-spun thread.
You can feel how it gently portrays the quiet prayers and the breath of everyday life born within the repetition of daily routines.
This piece is also included on the July 2020 album Awa Hyakkei.
Many listeners may find its melody, deeply rooted in local life, stirring a sense of nostalgia.
It’s a perfect work to listen to softly on a quiet night when you want to reflect on the profound culture and landscape of Tokushima.
Naruto Tairyō-bushifolk song
Set against the majestic seas of Naruto, this piece weaves together the lives of fishermen and the joy of a great catch through sound, making you feel as if you’re listening to a story.
It moves from a calm scene of quietly rowing out to sea to a bold festival accompaniment celebrating a bountiful haul, all portrayed with a vibrant, dynamic melody.
The work itself unites two songs that have long been passed down in the community.
Its excellent affinity with dance has made it a cherished performance at local cultural events to this day.
Give it a listen when you want to experience music rooted in the land and spirit of Tokushima.