[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.
- [Folk Songs and Children's Songs of Akita] A curated selection of local masterpieces that evoke love for one’s hometown
- Songs of Iwate: The Heart of Our Hometown Passed Down in Song | A Collection of Classics to Enjoy While Thinking of Iwate
- Akita Ondo: The Heart of Japan Passed Down in Song
- [Artists from Akita Prefecture] A comprehensive showcase from famous popular singers to up-and-coming bands
- Miyagi Songs: Popular tracks that celebrate famous sights and specialties, and timeless pieces filled with love for home
- A classic song that celebrates Niigata. The enduring spirit of our hometown passed down through song.
- [Local Songs] Recommended tracks packed with Japan’s nationwide classics and hometown pride
- A roundup of regional enka songs: classic hits that feature places from all across Japan in their lyrics.
- [Children’s Songs of Autumn] Autumn songs, school songs, and traditional children’s rhymes. A collection of classic pieces to sing in autumn.
- [Songs of Aomori] A collection of local songs depicting the grandeur of nature and the warmth of its people.
- An enka song about the Sea of Japan. A collection of famous songs themed around the great ocean.
- [Snow Songs] Classic winter tunes themed around snow. Snow songs that touch the heart.
- A classic enka masterpiece about one's hometown. A wonderful song that evokes thoughts of home.
[Songs of Akita] A Treasured Collection of Local Gems Filled with Love for Hometown (21–30)
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.
Uppercase GirlReina
It’s a love song by the Akita rock band “Reina,” about a bittersweet long-distance relationship between Akita and Kyoto.
Reina’s other songs also mention place names in Akita and have a strong local flavor, so be sure to check them out.
If you’re from the area, it’s guaranteed to hit even harder—especially
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.
Shirakami is my hometown.Yoshi Ikuzo
This is a song about Shirakami-Sanchi, the World Heritage Site that spans Akita and Aomori Prefectures.
It’s by Enka legend Ikuzo Yoshi—where is your hometown again? I looked it up and it’s in Aomori, not Akita.
It’s a very good song that conveys the grandeur of Shirakami-Sanchi.
A new dayOshima Kishiko
This is a local company’s commercial jingle sung by Takako Oshima, an announcer for Akita Asahi Broadcasting who was born in Tokyo and raised in Akita.
It seems to air in Yamagata Prefecture as well, but most people probably don’t know it.
In short, it’s a jingle known only to people from Akita and Yamagata.
Great AkitaIshii Kan
It has four movements and is quite long.
At this point, I’m carried away more by the beauty of the piece than anything specifically about Akita.
“Ooinaru Akita,” which often appears at wind ensemble and choral events in Akita Prefecture, is my favorite—especially the part where it picks up tempo and gets exciting.
Everywhere Just as It Is ~ Song of the Heavy Snow Region in Akita Prefecturetsucchī
This is an Akita-dialect cover of that famous song.
Please enjoy the subtitles and translation.
The singing quality is high, and the gap with how seriously it sings about Akita’s heavy snowfall is sure to make you laugh.
For people in Akita Prefecture—especially in the heavy snow areas—it’s no laughing matter, though… I felt a strong sense of empathy.