[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?
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[Yamagata Folk Songs] The heart of our homeland passed down through song. Feelings woven into nostalgic melodies (11–20)
Mogami River
This is a solemn, moving piece that symbolizes the majestic nature of Yamagata Prefecture.
Its pure yet powerful melody was composed based on an imperial poem by Emperor Showa, inspired by the scenery of the Mogami River.
The lyrics express the river’s eternal flow, the beauty of the changing seasons, and a deep affection for one’s hometown.
Completed in 1930 and designated the prefectural anthem the following year, the song continues to be cherished and sung at official occasions.
Since its adoption, it has been performed in schools and at community ceremonies, becoming deeply rooted in the hearts of the people of Yamagata.
For those living away from home, hearing it may evoke gentle images of Yamagata’s tranquil landscapes and stir a sense of nostalgia.
Hanagasa Ondo
Hanagasa Ondo is a folk song passed down in Yamagata City, Yamagata Prefecture, traditionally sung as a drinking song.
It originated from the local ground-tamping work song “Yagura Dōzuki Uta,” and is said to have been refined by Momohama Ariumi around 1938 (Showa 13), giving rise to Hanagasa Ondo.
Even today, at the Hanagasa Festival held in early August in Yamagata City, vibrant dances are performed to this tune.
Agarashare
“Agarashare” is a very celebratory folk song from Yamagata Prefecture.
The title means “Please come on in; let’s have a drink,” and the song celebrates a sake feast.
This piece has been passed down in Osawa, in Anrakujō Village, Mogami District, and is also known as “Osawa-bushi.”
Mogami River Boat Song
The Mogami River Boat Song is a boatman’s song originating in Aterazawa, Oe Town, Nishimurayama District, Yamagata Prefecture, and is one of the best-known Yamagata folk songs.
In 1936, when NHK’s Sendai station planned a program called “Going Down the Mogami River” and sought to feature a boat song, they found that no song specifically known as a Mogami River boat song existed.
Therefore, drawing on other folk songs and boatmen’s calls, Kunitoshi Watanabe wrote the lyrics and Gontaro Goto arranged the music to create the piece.
Safflower Picking Song
Benibana Tsumibushi (Safflower Picking Song) is a folk song from Yamagata City in Yamagata Prefecture, traditionally sung as a drinking song.
The former Murayama District was a production area for safflowers, used as a raw material for lipstick and dye, and the flowers were picked when their yellow blossoms turned red.
The lyrics were written in 1916 (Taisho 5), and the song became famous after being broadcast by the NHK Sendai Station in 1932 (Showa 7).
Shonai Obako
“Shonai Obako,” a folk song handed down in the Shonai region of Yamagata Prefecture.
“Obako” is a dialect word in the Tohoku region that refers to young women other than the heir daughter, such as unmarried women or younger sisters.
This song is a popular folk tune known for its amusing dialect-laced lyrics and relaxed melody.
There is also a folk song in Akita Prefecture called “Akita Obako.”
[Yamagata Folk Songs] The Heart of Our Hometown Passed Down in Song: Feelings Woven into Nostalgic Melodies (21–30)
Yonezawa Bon Uta
Yonezawa Bon Uta is a folk song handed down in Yonezawa City, Yamagata Prefecture.
The Bon dance performed to this song in Yonezawa is said to have begun in the era of Uesugi Kenshin, when samurai danced to celebrate their victories in battle.
Townspeople imitated the dance, and it has been passed down to the present day.
During the Obon season, it is said that Yonezawa Bon Uta can be heard throughout the city of Yonezawa.