The origins of Isobushi (磯節)

Isobushi is one of the three most famous Japanese folk songs. It originated and was sung through generations about 12 kilometers away from Mito, somewhere along the coast between Ōarai and Naka-Minato.

The origins of Isobushi are quite unclear. It was always being performed during the Ansei era (November 27th, 1854 to March 18th, 1860). Isobushi performances would be done in a very stirring and splendid fashion among fisherman. Later on, it became part of classical Noh plays, was soon backed by shamisen and got performed by geisha, eventually becoming a folk song of high caliber.

The 19th Shitakaisan (下開山, an honorific title given to a yokozuna, the highest rank in sumō wrestling, by his peers), with the sumō name of Hitachi-Yama (could be translated as "The Mountain of Hitachi"), was born in Hosoya-Monzen Riverbanks Street (細谷門前川岸通り, today known as Jōtō) and was extremely fond of this tune. He would go on his wrestling tours with Isobushi performer Anjū Sekine (関根安中) whom he would ask to perform the song. Through Isobushi, he was able to find comfort during his long travels. By doing so, he contributed in a large way to the popularization of the tune in Japan.

Source: Mito Tourist Association