[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.
[Akita Songs] A Collection of Gemlike Local Anthems Filled with Love for Our Hometown (31–40)
Song of the KamakuraShiota Akiko
This is a song about the winter Little New Year event “Kamakura” in Yokote City, Akita Prefecture.
With a nursery-rhyme feel, it’s gentle and heartwarming—perfect for the magical atmosphere of the kamakura snow huts.
The composer, Akiko Shiota, is also from Yokote, and I believe she has woven the charm of kamakura into the lyrics.
Gojōmetakumi
Speaking of Gojome, Mr.
Susumu Kodama—known as Tome-san, famous for his amusing and slightly risqué solo performances—is well known, but it seems Takumi-san is working hard too.
Unfortunately, there are no recordings of Gojome’s Tome-san available, so if you’re interested, please purchase the CD book.
Peaceful World ~ Akita’s Warrior Kiritanpopramo
This is a song by Akita’s local idol group pramo themed around Akita.
When you think of Akita, of course it’s kiritanpo.
I would’ve liked a bit more of a twist, but the upbeat, hype sound makes it all good.
It really gets the crowd going live.
A Cheer for Youyuikaori
This is the theme song for “Nenrinpic Akita 2017,” which will be held in September 2017 (Heisei 29).
The tune and vocals have a refreshing idol-pop feel, and I bet many people will get hooked.
It’s super energizing, and the clearly understandable lyrics are great.
Plans — when I return to Akita —Takahashi Yū to Nanbāza
It’s a local song with a tone that contrasts with the intense rock number “Nakuko wa Inega.” This one has relatively little dialect, so it’s easier to catch the lyrics.
There are also alternative regional versions like “When I Return to Fukushima” and “When I Return to Iwate,” made in collaboration with local artists.
Check those out too!
[Akita Songs] A Collection of Gemlike Local Classics Filled with Love for Hometowns (41–50)
Akita Pride SongMurakami Masahiko
This is the hometown-boasting version of the Akita Ondo.
This version features the Akita dialect and is called the ‘Okuni-Jiman Ondo,’ but it still can’t quite measure up to the original Akita Ondo.
It was produced by the Akita-based company Dream Link.
YUZAWAYuzawa-shi Fukushichō feat’ S7ICKCHICKs, Takada Yuka prod. by TEAM2MVCH
This is Akita rap featuring Yuzawa City in Akita Prefecture.
It became nationally famous when the city’s deputy mayor started rapping.
The sound casually weaves in festival music, and it matches the dope beat perfectly—totally works.