2025
KOKIRIKO -The Ancient Japanese Folk Song
Japan
Client: Nanto City Tourism Association
Produced by: Tsuyoshi Kigawa
Agency: N/A
Category: Tourism Products
Entry Type: Promotional Video
Synopsis
People living in the Gokayama region of Japan continue to lead traditional lifestyles amidst rich natural surroundings. In this region, along with the World Heritage-listed gassho-style villages, a traditional folk song known as Kokiriko—believed to be Japan's oldest folk song—has been passed down through generations. Kokiriko is said to originate from dengaku, a form of traditional performing art.
Goals of the film
The film aims to introduce Kokiriko, Japan’s oldest known folk song, as a living cultural treasure that connects people to the rhythms of nature, tradition, and community. By showcasing the music, dance, and landscape of Gokayama, the film seeks to deepen international appreciation for Japan’s intangible cultural heritage. It also aspires to inspire viewers to visit regions like Gokayama, where tradition is not preserved in a museum, but lived daily by its people.
Target Group
Cultural travelers, traditional music enthusiasts, and global audiences interested in Japan’s intangible heritage. Especially those seeking authentic, off-the-beaten-path experiences in rural Japan, and individuals curious about the spiritual and artistic roots of Japanese folk traditions.