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[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.

[Songs of Aomori] A collection of local songs depicting majestic nature and the warmth of its people (31–40)

Tappi Misaki LighthouseNishio Yuki

Yuki Nishio / Tappi Saki Lighthouse (Tappizaki Tōdai)
Tappi Misaki LighthouseNishio Yuki

A single by Yuki Nishio released in October 2013 (Heisei 25).

Also known as an impressionist/impersonation entertainer, she hails from Hirosaki in Aomori Prefecture.

She has previously released songs related to northern towns, such as “Tsugaru Hana Ichimonme,” and this was her first hometown-themed enka in some time.

Hometown of TsugaruMisora Hibari

The B-side of Hibari Misora’s single “Umakko Sensei,” released in January 1953 (Showa 28).

Riding the momentum of the previous year’s massive hit “Ringo Oiwake,” a song set in Tsugaru was released.

Even as a B-side, it has been loved by many and continues to be sung today in retro music specials.

Tsugaru OtokomaeIshigami Kumiko

Handsome Men of Tsugaru Kumiko Ishigami Cover: Wang Ruide
Tsugaru OtokomaeIshigami Kumiko

A single by enka singer Kumiko Ishigami, released in August 2001 (Heisei 13).

After debuting in 1986 (Showa 61) with “Tsugaru no Joppari,” she went on to release many songs related to Tsugaru.

At the time of her debut, she was anticipated as one of the “Lively Trio” alongside contemporaries Fuyumi Sakamoto and Kumi Iwamoto.

Tsurunomai BridgeNariye Shōhei

A song released in August 2004 (Heisei 16).

Shohei Naruse is well known for works like “Hagure Kokiriko,” released in 1999 (Heisei 11) and inspired by folk music from Toyama.

In this piece, however, he crafts a unique world using as its motif the Tsuru-no-Mai Bridge, which spans Tsugaru Fujimi Lake in western Aomori.

Northern Beach SongMaki Yufuko

[Promotional Video] Yuko Maki / Kita no Hama Uta (Song of the Northern Shore)
Northern Beach SongMaki Yufuko

Yufuko Maki is an enka singer who debuted in the first year of the Heisei era with the song “Inochi-bana.” “Kita no Hama Uta” is a single released in September of Heisei 23 (2011).

Over her long career she has also recorded local songs about Aomori, such as “Shimokita Peninsula,” but in “Kita no Hama Uta” she sings about a romance set in Tsugaru.

[Songs of Aomori] A collection of local songs depicting the grandeur of nature and the warmth of its people (41–50)

Shimokita Fishing PortToba Ichirō

A single by Ichiro Toba released in June 1984 (Showa 59).

Since debuting in 1982 (Showa 57) with “Kyodai-bune” (Brother Ship), Toba has sung many songs themed around fishing ports and fishermen across the country.

With a fisherman father and an ama (female diver) mother, he delivers his performances with a strong sense of realism.

Gono LineMizumori Kaori

Kaori Mizumori’s 13th single, released in April 2005 (Heisei 17).

She was already known as the “Queen of Regional Songs,” and this track—modeled on the Gono Line that connects the Sea of Japan coasts of Aomori and Akita—also became a hit.

At the end of the year, she won the Japan Record Award for Best Vocal Performance with this song.