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?
- The World of Kagoshima Folk Songs: Traditional Melodies that Carry On the Spirit of the Hometown
- Folk songs, children's songs, and nursery rhymes of Hiroshima: the enduring heart of our hometown, passed down through song.
- Folk songs you’ll want to sing at karaoke: classic and popular tunes everyone can enjoy
- Folksongs, children's songs, and nursery rhymes of Fukushima: the heart of our hometown passed down in song
- Folk songs, children's songs, and nursery rhymes of Toyama: the enduring heart of our hometown passed down through song
- Kyoto’s folk songs, children’s songs, and nursery rhymes: the enduring spirit of our hometown passed down through song.
- Folk Songs, Children's Songs, and Nursery Rhymes of Aomori: Japanese Songs from Tsugaru and Hachinohe that Resonate with the Heart
- Folk songs, children’s songs, and nursery rhymes of Kumamoto: the enduring spirit of our hometown passed down through song.
- Folk songs, children’s songs, and nursery rhymes of Osaka: the enduring spirit of our hometown carried on in song
- Folk songs, children's songs, and nursery rhymes of Nagasaki: the heart of the hometown passed down through song
- [Folk Songs and Children's Songs of Akita] A curated selection of local masterpieces that evoke love for one’s hometown
- Folk songs, children's songs, and nursery rhymes of Iwate: the heart of the hometown passed down through song
- Okinawan folk songs, children’s songs, and nursery rhymes: the heart of our hometown passed down through song.
Tokushima Folk Songs, Children's Songs, and Nursery Rhymes | Traditional Songs Rooted in the Region, Including Awa Odori (1–10)
Tea Rolling Song of Nishi-Iyafolk song
A traditional work song handed down in Nishi-Iya-yama Village, Tokushima Prefecture.
It depicts the series of tasks of kneading tea leaves by hand, sung with distinctive calls and responses.
Listening to this piece, you can almost see the workers breathing in unison and feel the unique sense of togetherness that comes from collaborative labor.
The song is also included on the renowned 2020 compilation Awa Hyakkei, which gathers folk songs from Tokushima.
Why not listen to it while picturing the richly natural rural landscapes that still remain in Tokushima today?
Janko jankofolk song
A traditional song from Misato Village in Tokushima Prefecture, whose powerful taiko rhythms and improvisational calls stir the soul.
It began as a children’s song born from work and play, and you can feel the vibrancy of daily life coming through directly.
This track was produced from recordings made on-site in 1988 and was included on the album “Awa Hyakkei,” released in July 2020.
One of the fascinating aspects of this song is how it balances earthy, indigenous appeal with refined sound quality.
It’s a perfect pick when you want to experience the depth of Japan’s roots music.
Bon Nagashi Songfolk song
This piece, performed during the traditional Obon ceremony of sending off one’s ancestors, is a new folk song from Tokushima that skillfully weaves together the subdued sentiment of a zabushi-uta (parlor song) with the lively, bouncing rhythm meant for procession dances.
You can hear it on albums such as Minyo Furusato Kiko, released in November 2006.
It is reportedly a staple tune for the “Bon-nagashi” event during the summer Awa Odori.
Why not immerse yourself in the atmosphere of a Japanese summer while letting your thoughts drift to the scenery of Tokushima?
Tokushima Folk Songs, Children's Songs, and Nursery Rhymes | Traditional Songs Rooted in the Region, Including Awa Odori (11–20)
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.
Shonga-e Song of Teba Islandfolk song
It is a folk song rich in emotion, evoking Tokushima’s abundant nature and the very breath of life in its port-town residents.
You can almost see the boats traveling between Mugi Port and Teba Island and the beautiful seascapes unfolding before your eyes.
The singer’s warm, conversational voice blends with the lively accompaniment of flute, drums, and shamisen, leaving listeners with a gentle, comforting feeling.
This piece can be heard on the compilation album “Awa Hyakkei,” released in July 2020.
It’s also beloved at local events, so you may well hear it during your travels in Tokushima.
Terano Sensu Dance Songfolk song
A folk song that vividly conjures scenes of people dancing with fans in a remote mountain village of Tokushima.
It conveys, directly and sincerely, the breath of everyday life carried on since ancient times and the bonds among the local people.
The simple sounds of flute and drum stand out, drawing you in as if you were right there—that’s part of its charm.
This track is also included on the album “Awa Hyakkei,” released in July 2020.
Why not give it a listen when you want to step away from the rush of daily life and attune your heart to Japan’s original landscapes, or when you wish to let your thoughts wander to the land of Tokushima?
Fall asleep, fall asleep.folk song
This is a lullaby from the Iya region of Tokushima Prefecture, whose gentle melody—like a mother speaking to her child—resonates in the heart.
In the movement to preserve local culture from the 1990s onward, it was one of the songs transcribed and recorded as part of efforts to document folk songs and children’s songs.
While rare as a standalone piece, it can be heard on albums such as “Selected Japanese Lullabies: Shikoku, Kyushu, and Okinawa.” It’s perfect for lulling little ones to sleep, and even adults may find it evokes a certain nostalgia and a soothing sense of calm.