Japanese Folk Songs From Gokayama

The Gokayama region is located in the southwestern part of Toyoama prefecture, surrounded by 1,500-meter-high mountains with heavy snowfalls of two to three meters in winter. Gokayama Gassho-Zukuri Village, designated a World Heritage Site in 1995, is recognized as a valuable cultural heritage site for its distinctive landscape. The region is a treasure house of folk songs and numerous folk songs.

Kokiriko-bushi

Kokiriko-bushi is the oldest folk song in Japan, derived from the rice-field dance performed during farming. The "kokiriko" is a musical instrument made by beating bamboo, and is played with ancient instruments such as the kuwagane and sasara（percussion instrument）, as well as the shinobue (bamboo flute), taiko drums, and tsuzumi (hand drums). In addition, the sasara is essential for the singing and dancing of kokiriko. The sasara is a musical instrument made of 108 cypress planks woven into a bundle and characterized by its simple tone, which is derived from the Buddhist belief that human beings have 108 worldly desires. The "Kokiriko Festival" is held every September, and a dedication dance is performed to pray for a good harvest.

Mugiya-bushi

Mugiya-bushi is also a popular folk song in the Gokayama area. It is said that the song originated when samurai who fled to Gokayama after being defeated in battle sang it in memory of their glory in the capital when they replaced their swords and bows with hoes and sickles and reaped wheat.

The men in kimono, swords at their waists, and kasa (hat) in their hands dance heroically. In addition to the song known as "Kasadori," there is also "Nagamugiya-bushi," the original version of Mugiya-bushi without instruments and dance, and "Hayamugiya-bushi," a fast-paced, lighthearted dance performed by women.

Follow us