Akita Ondo

Akita Ondo (秋田音頭) is a folk song of Akita prefecture, Japan. It is said that it was created when Kubota domain in Akita prefecture was inspected by Yoshitaka Satake in 1663. It was originally known simply as the "Ondo" ("Marching Song"), but it is said that around the beginning of the Meiji era it became known as the "Akita Ondo".

The unique characteristic of the Akita Ondo is its litany of humorous lyrics, accompanied by instruments like the shamisen, flute, and bell. Besides the initial cry "yātonā" (or "yātosei"), few musical intervals are used. The verses are simply laid out upon a 7-7-9 rhythm, in style similar to modern rap music.