tsugaruben

津軽弁

A Japanese dialect spoken in the western parts of Aomori Prefecture. Technically belongs to the Tohokuben dialect family, but diverges significantly in some places to the point of being considered a separate dialect by some Japanese people.

Infamous for being considered the hardest-to-understand dialect in Japan. Even people within the same prefecture (never mind the rest of the Tohoku region, or the rest of Japan) have problems understanding speakers of this dialect.

October 23 is considered to be Tsugaru Dialect Day, so occasionally people will write and perform skits and performances employing the Tsugaru dialect on that day. Japanese (fan)artists may also follow suit.

There are also various local competitions and events that feature the Tsugaru dialect. These are sometimes broadcasted on Japanese national television.

Notable characters who speak Tsugaru dialect