[Akita Songs] A Collection of Gem-Like Local Tunes Filled with Love for Hometowns
Akita Prefecture faces the Sea of Japan and is alive with abundant nature and traditional culture.
In this land, countless folk songs, enka, and local tunes filled with love for Akita have been born.
In this article, we’ve gathered masterpieces that possess a uniquely Akita quality—an enigmatic charm that stirs nostalgia.
Whether you’re from Akita or simply cherish it deeply, just hearing these songs will surely bring back memories as if the places themselves are appearing before your eyes.
Please enjoy these many classics that convey the very atmosphere and emotion of the land to your heart’s content.
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[Songs of Akita] A Treasury of Local Classics Filled with Love for Our Hometown (11–20)
O star maiden,Ozaki Kiyohiko
This is a grand, large-scale piece created as the image song for Ogata Village in Akita Prefecture.
Kiyohiko Ozaki’s overwhelming vocal power beautifully overlaps with the village’s vast night sky.
Amid the loneliness of parting, its romantic worldview resonates with a sense of hope for the future.
The song was produced in 1992 to commemorate the 25th anniversary of Ogata Village and was included on the single “Furusato no Satsuki,” released in April 1995.
For those striving away from their hometown, listening while gazing up at the night sky will surely set their hearts aflame.
Sky of DreamsTsukumo Yuu
This is a work by Yu Tsukumo that moves the heart with the passion of fireworks artisans who set Akita’s night sky ablaze and their love for their hometown.
Since 1988, this piece has been cherished as the opening theme of the National Fireworks Competition, enveloping the venue in emotion at the exact moment a Niagara fireworks display—spanning roughly 500 meters—ignites.
It is included on albums such as “Akita Sanka II” and is also used as the departure melody at Omagari Station.
For those with roots in Akita, or anyone longing to feel the warmth of the land, this work may well feel like a spiritual home in itself.
Oga PeninsulaKitayama Takeshi
Set against the majestic natural backdrop of the Oga Peninsula in Akita Prefecture, this song captures the blazing spirit of a man who keeps his passion hidden within.
Landmarks from the peninsula appear in the lyrics, and just by listening, you can vividly picture the rugged scenery of the Sea of Japan.
Released in August 2007, the single’s coupling track, “Yume Ichizu,” was also used as the theme song for a period drama on TV.
Thanks to this song, Takeshi Kitayama served as the Oga Peninsula Tourism Ambassador and performed the piece at that year’s NHK Kouhaku Uta Gassen.
For anyone standing at a crossroads in life and about to take on a challenge, this is a song that gives a powerful push forward.
This is Ayako’s hometown pride.Fuji Ayako
It’s a truly signature track that made a striking impression as the opening chapter of Tomoyasu Hotei’s solo career.
The fusion of industrial beats and razor-sharp guitar riffs delivers a shock that shatters listeners’ preconceptions.
This challenging sound is the embodiment of his philosophy of “Guitarhythm,” which pioneers new possibilities for the guitar.
The song is the title track of his milestone debut album, GUITARHYTHM, released in October 1988.
Many were likely astonished by the sheer scale—recorded at a prestigious British studio just six months after BOØWY disbanded.
When you’re ready to take a new step forward, bathing in this shower of sound will give you the courage to carve out the future.
City of InvitationTsukumo Yuu
Beloved by locals and visitors to the fireworks festival, “Izanai no Machi” is the song played during the finale of Ōmagari Fireworks, which colors the end of summer in Akita.
It’s a piece by singer-songwriter Yuu Tsukumo.
Many say, “When I listen to this song, a wave of nostalgia washes over me and I want to go back to Akita,” reflecting how deeply it has taken root among the people of Akita.
Namahage BrothersKatte ni Kankō Kyōkai
This is a song about Namahage from the unit “Katte ni Kanko Kyokai” by Jun Miura and Hajime Anzai.
The wistful melody matches the theme of “Namahage,” doesn’t it? Not only does it portray the Namahage, but it also features many of Akita Prefecture’s famous sights and specialties—another notable point.
The answer to “What is Akita known for?” is encapsulated in this one song.
[Songs of Akita] A Treasured Collection of Local Gems Filled with Love for Hometown (21–30)
Is there any crying child?Takahashi Yuu
Speaking of Akita, the artist that comes to mind is Yu Takahashi, and as the working title suggests—“Akita’s Song” or something along those lines—it’s a track packed with elements of Akita.
“Naku ko wa inega” is Akita dialect meaning “Are there any crying children?” and it’s a phrase used as a kind of chant by the Namahage.