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[Folk Songs of Yamagata] The Heart of Our Hometown Passed Down in Song: Feelings Woven into Nostalgic Melodies
Among the traditional songs passed down across Japan, Yamagata’s folk music possesses a uniquely moving charm.
In pieces like the Sagae Jinku and the Mogamigawa Boat Song, the daily life and culture of the region are woven into melodies filled with the pride and feelings of those who came before.
In this article, we introduce musical works Yamagata is proud of—from nursery songs sung since ancient times to folk tunes that continue to thrive today.
As you contemplate the tranquil landscapes of Yamagata, why not lend an ear to the world of its folk songs, where nostalgia and freshness coexist?
[Yamagata Folk Songs] The Heart of Our Hometown Passed Down in Song: Feelings Embedded in Nostalgic Melodies (1–10)
My little knife.
In Tsuruoka City, Yamagata Prefecture, this heartwarming nursery rhyme has been hummed across generations.
You can feel a simple, gentle gaze, as if soothing a child in tears.
Steeped in the Shonai region’s dialect, it sounds like the warmth of the community turned into music.
One can picture parents and children smiling as they clap along and sing.
It’s perfect for moments of parenting or enjoying nursery songs with kids—and when you’re feeling a bit worn out, listening may make you feel gently wrapped in its tender melody.
Yamagata Bakuro-bushi
This is a song that portrays the feelings of horse-handlers on their journey as they lead their horses to town.
The weighty footsteps of men guiding multiple horses and the sway of their cargo are expressed through a distinctive, gently bouncing triple meter.
Beneath its plaintive melody, one can sense a pride in their work and a deep affection for their equine partners.
The piece is a community-nurtured work: in 1931, the Yamagata Shimbun solicited lyrics from local residents, which the folk singer Tokiku Kato compiled.
For those who wish to let their thoughts wander to Yamagata’s tranquil landscapes, this is a song that will surely resonate.
Asahi Ondo
Set against the beautiful backdrop of Mount Asahi—the namesake of Asahi Town—this song portrays a radiant young romance.
Many may find themselves moved by its hopeful story of going to bring one’s beloved home as a bride.
Celebrating the 70th anniversary of the town’s incorporation, it was released on CD in spring 2025, featuring the clear, soaring vocals of Sayaka Asakura, a singer from the area.
It’s a heartwarming piece that conjures the joyful atmosphere of a festival.
Highly recommended for those moments when you feel nostalgic for your hometown scenery.
Okitama Otsu-e
This is a bon-odori song that has long brightened celebratory occasions in the Okitama region of Yamagata Prefecture.
Its origins lie in Niigata’s Echigo Jinku, and since the Edo period it has been widely cherished here as a celebratory song.
You can almost picture the festive scene: pine and bamboo displayed in the alcove, and plum and cherry blossoms in full bloom across a spacious tatami room.
The song’s emotional, rustic melody may evoke a sense of nostalgia for some listeners.
It is included in the second volume of the “Yamagata Folk Songs” series from the album “Hometown of the Heart: Japanese Folk Songs,” with commentary by Ryuzo Fujio.
Conjuring images of bustling festivals and smiling faces, this piece is perfect for times when you want to feel the warmth of home.
Okitama Bon Odori Song
A heart-stirring Bon dance song that has been passed down for generations in the Okitama region of Yamagata Prefecture.
Said to have its roots in tunes hummed during farm work, the lyrics convey a deep affection for a life rooted in the land—joy in the harvest and the strong bonds among people.
The quick tempo of drums and shamisen, along with lively calls and responses, vividly evokes the bustle and excitement of a festival.
This folk song is believed to have taken shape around 1935 (Showa 10).
For those who long to reflect on their hometown landscapes, it may feel as if you’ve found a place for your heart to return to.
It’s also recommended for anyone who wants to experience the warm sense of togetherness found in Japanese festivals.
Okitama Sake Brewer's Rice-Washing Song
This song has been passed down as a work chant for washing rice at sake breweries in the Okitama region.
The calls that set a rhythm to the monotonous task convey the vigor of the brewers coordinating their movements.
A recorded version of this orally transmitted song survives from 1972, sung by Teiichi Emura, and in recent years it can also be heard on Takashi Inomata’s album “Yamagata Folk Songs, Vol.
3.” It’s also recommended to immerse yourself in the folk melody with a cup of sake in hand, and reflect on the history of the craftspeople poured into each sip.
Chrysanthemums and Bellflowers
This is a highly formal celebratory song sung at festive occasions, handed down in the Nagatoro area of Higashine City, Yamagata Prefecture.
It paints a heartwarming scene that blesses two people as close as sisters by likening them to beautiful flowers.
With a long history, it is said to have already been sung during the Bunkyū era.
It is included on Naoyuki Harada’s album “Naoyuki Harada Min’yō Collection – Gems from North to South” and Kyoko Araki’s album “Shin Min’yō Ichiban.” Some listeners may find themselves sharing in the bright, uplifting feeling of wishing a cherished person a happy new beginning.
It is recommended not only for celebratory gatherings, but also for times when you want to immerse yourself in the refined sounds of tradition.