[Songs of Fukushima] Thinking of my hometown | A heartwarming collection of classic songs celebrating the beautiful “Fukushima”

Beyond the cloudsTanimura Shinji

Beyond the Clouds - Nihon University Tohoku High School (Reconstruction Support Music Festival)

The song by Shinji Tanimura, woven from 825 messages of thoughts for Fukushima, warmly embraces the hearts of the people striving for recovery after the Great East Japan Earthquake.

Through natural motifs like the sky and clouds, the hopes of those seeking to overcome hardship and their wishes for renewal are sung over Tanimura’s uniquely grand yet delicate melodic lines.

Released in March 2017 as part of the Challenge Fukushima Project, this work also became well-loved as the 11th installment of Fukushima Prefecture’s documentary animation series “Letters to the Future.” It is a song that stands beside all who hold their hometowns dear, and those who, even while facing adversity, choose to keep moving forward—offering steadfast support to the heart.

Promise of SmilesKoshio Sakura

Sakura Koshio “Promise of a Smile” (Full) [Official] (Included on 3rd Album “Our Things”)

A heartwarming message song by Sakura Koshio, filled with love for her hometown Fukushima and hopes for its recovery.

Released in April 2016, five years after the Great East Japan Earthquake, this track is included on the mini-album “Our Things” and was produced with full cooperation from Aizuwakamatsu City.

Its music video, featuring local residents volunteering their participation, also became a talking point.

The powerful vocals of the chorus group VOXRAY—whom she met at the recovery event “Fukkonsai”—leave a strong impression.

It’s a song that supports those who, even from afar, continue to think of their hometown and hold on to hope for the future.

Familiar TrainManami

[Official] Familiar Train / MANAMI — Official Support Song for the Iizaka Line

This is a song by MANAMI that invites you on a soothing melodic journey filled with love and warmth for one’s hometown.

Set along the Fukushima Kotsu Iizaka Line, its lyrics gently depict local scenery and everyday life, while MANAMI’s clear, translucent voice matches perfectly to deliver nostalgia and comfort to listeners.

Included on the album “Fukushima Egao 2,” released in November 2021, this track is a beloved local song and the officially endorsed support song of the Fukushima Kotsu Iizaka Line.

It’s highly recommended for anyone living away from home or for all who hold their hometown dear.

Song of Fortune ~Ganbappe ver.~ave

Ave Fuku no Uta ~Ganbatte ver.~ / with Lyrics & Slideshow

It’s a heartwarming cheer song that, while gazing upon the wounded scenery of our hometown, weaves a hope for the future.

The empowering message of the Fukushima dialect phrase “Ganbappe” (“Let’s do our best”) and the warm acoustic sound gently resonate with listeners.

Created right after the March 2011 earthquake and first performed live on local FM radio on March 25 of the same month, this work by Ave has continued to give courage to people in the disaster-affected areas.

It’s a song filled with love for Fukushima, where you can feel the warm bonds of people wishing for recovery from the earthquake.

Flowers will bloom.Sakushi: Iwai Shunji/Sakkyoku: Kanno Yoko

Rio Suzuki / “Flowers Will Bloom” by Parent and Child

A heartwarming charity song created to support the areas and people affected by the Great East Japan Earthquake.

Composed by Shunji Iwai and Yoko Kanno, both from Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture, the song is written from the perspective of those who lost their lives in the disaster, as a message to the survivors.

Released in May 2012, it was repeatedly featured in NHK programs related to the earthquake and has become cherished as a symbol of recovery.

Even as many years pass since the disaster, it remains a song we want to keep listening to while thinking of our hometown and the family living far away.

Current locationKanno Megumi

[MV] Megumi Kanno “The Place I’m Home”

This song features Megumi Kanno’s gentle, heartfelt vocals that tenderly wrap around feelings for her hometown and deeply move the listener.

The warm tones of the acoustic guitar blend beautifully with her clear voice, delicately weaving scenes of everyday life and love for family.

Released in August 2018, the piece was also performed at events such as “Otoyoi Walk 2018” in the Iizaka Onsen district of Fukushima City, where many residents were encouraged by Kanno’s dedication to her ties with the local community.

You can feel the beauty of Fukushima’s landscapes and the warmth of the people who live there.

Song of the People of Fukushima Prefectureave

Fukushima Prefectural Citizens’ Song by ave

This song was created around 1967.

Many people who were born and raised in Fukushima Prefecture have probably heard it.

Fukushima’s appearance changed drastically due to the disaster, yet the image of Fukushima portrayed in this work surely remains unchanged in people’s hearts.

We cannot help but wish for Fukushima’s recovery.