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Lovely nursery rhymes, folk songs, and children's songs

[Songs of Aomori] A collection of local songs depicting the grandeur of nature and the warmth of its people.

The fertile fields and the Tsugaru Plain stretching serenely, the majestic Hakkoda Mountains, and the grand Sea of Japan.

Songs born from Aomori’s nature-rich land are loved not only by its residents but by many people far and wide.

In this article, we introduce captivating pieces woven with Aomori’s scenery and sentiment—from local songs cherished by the community, to popular ballads set in Aomori, to hometown tunes by artists hailing from the prefecture.

Please enjoy them while reflecting on the land of Aomori and the hometown that resides in each of our hearts.

[Aomori Songs] A collection of local tunes depicting majestic nature and the warmth of its people (21–30)

Come back here.Mizuki Natsumi

A poignant enka of homesickness that longs for a father who won’t return home, as if waiting for spring to arrive in the Tsugaru Plain.

Natsumi Mizuki’s powerful yet lyrical voice—nurtured by folk song—merges with Tsugaru’s primal scenery, from apple orchards to the sound of steam whistles, stirring the listener’s heart.

Released in August 2017 as her sixth single, this song later became one of her signature tracks, included on the album “Utatugumi 2” and the best-of collection “Zenkyokushū 2021.” For those living away from their hometowns, it may overlap with feelings for their own families and make their hearts swell.

Ringo OiwakeEGO-WRAPPIN’

EGO-WRAPPIN' Ringo Oiwake 2013 LIVE_Ebisu
Ringo OiwakeEGO-WRAPPIN'

A smash hit by Hibari Misora released in May 1952.

EGO-WRAPPIN’ gave it a modern arrangement and performed it at live shows.

In 2016, it was broadcast on NHK BS Premium, bringing it back into the spotlight, and it continues to captivate many people as a timeless local-themed song.

Tsuntsun TsugaruHayashi Asami

Asami Hayashi - Tsuntsun Tsugaru
Tsuntsun TsugaruHayashi Asami

Ayumi Hayashi’s debut single, released in March 1996 (Heisei 8).

Although Hayashi Asami is an enka singer from Rokkasho Village, she drew attention for wearing outfits like a pop singer and was dubbed an “endo-l” (enka idol).

While it is enka, the song is bright and refreshing, fitting for a young newcomer, and it won various new artist awards.

OiraseYamamoto Jōji

Joji Yamamoto Oirase Enka Hyakusen
OiraseYamamoto Jōji

A single by Joji Yamamoto released in June 1991 (Heisei 3).

While his signature song “Michinoku Hitori Tabi” was sung powerfully with a touch of pathos, this song is gentle and refreshing, like the murmuring stream of the Oirase Gorge.

It became the first local Tohoku-themed song in a while to score a hit.

Cape Tappiyoshida takurou & kamayatsu hiroshi

"Cape Tappi" Hiroshi Kamayatsu & Takuro Yoshida
Cape Tappiyoshida takurou & kamayatsu hiroshi

The B-side of the single “Cynthia” by the duo of Takuro Yoshida and Hiroshi Kamayatsu, released in July 1974.

It’s known as a local-themed song from the heyday of folk music.

You can sense their attention to detail in choosing to say “Tappi-zaki” rather than “Tappi-misaki.”

Chiekko YosareKishi Chieko

Enka song “Chie-kko Yosare / Chieko Kishi” Sung by: Shamisen & Shakuhachi Girl
Chiekko YosareKishi Chieko

A song released in 1985 by Chieko Kishi, a folk singer from Tsugaru.

It’s an upbeat number that channels the spirit and pride of people from Tsugaru.

Her energetic style of singing while dashing around the stage became known as “shaking folk” and drew attention, and her friendly banter in the Tsugaru dialect was well received.

She went on to appear in the Kōhaku Uta Gassen in 1988.

Cape TappiShimakura Chiyoko

A single by Chiyoko Shimakura released in 1971 (Showa 46).

By then an established singer, Shimakura gives voice to a lonely woman’s heart, using Cape Tappi as the motif.

She performed this song at the 15th NHK Kouhaku Uta Gassen.

It is one of the most representative songs about Cape Tappi.