Tsugaru folk songs you should listen to when playing the Tsugaru shamisen

In Aomori Prefecture, where the Tsugaru shamisen was born, there is a type of music known as the three major Tsugaru folk songs (Tsugaru mitsumono).

In this article, we will study the three major Tsugaru folk songs.

Tsugaru three major folk songs are “Tsugaru Ohara-bushi”, “Tsugaru Jongara-bushi”, and “Tsugaru Yosare-bushi”.
Let me explain about each song…

1. Tsugaru ohara-bushi
According to one theory, this song is a variation of a song sung at drinking parties that was introduced from other regions.
It is said that the song was named “Ohara-bushi” because of the musical accompaniment “Ohara” in the song.

2. Tsugaru jongara-bushi
Like Tsugaru ohara-bushi, this song is said to be a variation of songs from other regions.
There are various theories as to the meaning of the word “jongara,” but it is said to be based on the name of a place called Jogawara.

3. Tsugaru yosare bushi
Like the other two songs, this song is said to have been adapted from another song.
There are various theories as to the meaning of the word “yosare,” but it is said to mean either “oyosare” or “yosare .
The latter is said to mean “I hope that the world of famine, poverty, bad harvests, and other hardships will pass away.

These three songs are worth listening to at least once when playing the Tsugaru shamisen. Please give it a try!