A classic song that sings of Toyama. The enduring heart of our hometown.
Located in the center of Honshu, Toyama Prefecture has a large area facing the Sea of Japan and is rich in marine resources.
Toyama is also a region with a long history, where many folk songs have survived to the present day, led by Japan’s oldest folk song, “Kokiriko-bushi.”
In this article, we’ll introduce local songs from Toyama, including traditional folk songs passed down through the ages, as well as enka and kayōkyoku inspired by famous sights in the prefecture.
If you live in the area, you might find some especially familiar tunes.
Be sure to read to the end!
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A classic song that sings of Toyama: The enduring heart of our hometown (11–20)
Kokiriko-bushi
The Kokiriko-bushi, which gently embraces the heart of Toyama Prefecture, invites listeners on a journey through history.
Born from dengaku performances that brightened moments of farm work, this song is the soul music of the Gokayama region.
The tones of traditional instruments passed down through the ages paint Toyama’s landscapes alongside its abundant nature.
At the Kokiriko Festival held every September, Kokiriko-bushi is performed as a dedicatory dance praying for a bountiful harvest, captivating countless people.
Loved across generations, this piece remains cherished not only by the people of Toyama but by many throughout Japan.
Johana Hikiyama FestivalKaori Aoi
Set to the music of Toyama’s culture, this song is brimming with emotion that goes straight to the heart.
Aoi Kawa no Sato’s vocals beautifully capture the pain and sorrow of a fleeting love.
Against the backdrop of the Hikiyama Festival scenery, it portrays the feelings of a woman who cannot forget her love.
Released in March 2024, this work is a heartfelt piece commemorating Aoi’s 20th debut anniversary.
The festival’s lanterns and flute melodies are woven in with rich atmosphere, and each listen shakes the soul.
I believe it’s a song that gently stays close to those living away from their hometown or carrying the pain of heartbreak.
Yotaka-bushi
The “Yotaka Festival,” a fighting festival held every June in Tonami City, Toyama Prefecture, features powerful clashes of large floats lit with lanterns.
The folk song “Yotaka-bushi,” passed down as festival music, accompanies the event.
Its lyrics and melody, imbued with wishes for a bountiful harvest, evoke a sense of nostalgia even for first-time listeners.
While introduced here as a festival of Tonami City, the Yotaka Festival itself is beloved in various parts of Toyama Prefecture and even in Hokkaido.
If it piques your interest, consider visiting at least once.
In conclusion
We’ve introduced lots of folk songs and local tunes related to Toyama! Did you find any pieces that really struck a chord with you? Maybe some of the songs about Toyama made you think, “Wait, there’s a song like this?!” This article will be updated from time to time, so please drop by again whenever you’re curious!