Summer Haiya Festival: Celebrating Ushibuka’s Signature Folk Song

Few things are more reminiscent of a Japanese summer than the matsuri. Hate the sweltering daytime heat if you must, but summer festivals remain one of the most magical parts of summer. Who could fail to feel a rush of joy at donning a yukata (summer kimono) on a sultry evening, or excitement at hearing drums in the distance, the trilling, plaintive melodies of the bamboo flute and twanging shamisen soaring above the sounds of singing and laughter? It is a time for community and merriment, and above all is a way of keeping the traditional folk songs of Japan alive. 

Each region in Japan has min’yo (traditional folk music) local to their area, but few can claim to be the originator of at least 40 other traditional songs around the country. The exception is, perhaps, Ushibuka and its signature song, Ushibuka Haiya Bushi.