Akita Min'yō

Minyo is deeply connected to Japan's agricultural history. These folk songs would be sung about the farmers' way of life.  Akita, being well known for its agriculture, has many songs that sing about life, farming, fishing, harsh winters, and tales about local life. A singer and composer from Aomori prefecture claims the word minyo comes from Goto Tosui, a famous minyo teacher, who connected the sound of folk songs to the sound of the cicada. It was during the Edo period that minyo from northern prefectures spread through traveling performers (komusō). Preservation of these songs became a popular movement during the Meiji period.

Minyo has a unique sound that is unique to the region of its origin. Akita minyo are known for being sunny. They are sung to represent the Akita people. They are sung with a degree of liveliness which is greater than the songs of other regions. Dance is a very important part of minyo, which are often performed during festivals. These songs are often accompanied by the Shamisen and the Taiko Drums, sometimes the shakahuchi and fue are seen as well. Some of the most famous Akita Minyo are Akita Obako, Akita Sakaya Motosuri Uta, and Akita Obako.