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

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.

Born in that townNishida Toshiyuki

Toshiyuki Nishida – Born in That Town [Official Audio]

The poetry spun by Yasushi Akimoto and the warm singing voice of Toshiyuki Nishida overlap, stirring a deep longing for a distant hometown.

Released in June 2011, about three months after the Great East Japan Earthquake, this gem of a ballad was issued by King Records as the coupling track to “Baton Touch.” It embodies Mr.

Nishida’s feelings for his home of Fukushima Prefecture, and when he performed it on that year’s Kouhaku Uta Gassen, it moved many viewers.

A song that offers solace to those living away from their hometowns or those who have lost a cherished place.

Surrender yourself to the gentle melody and warm vocals, and feel the unchanging tenderness of your hometown, no matter how far away you may be.

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.

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.

Fukushima Prefectural SongFukushima-ken

Fukushima Prefecture “Prefectural Residents’ Song” with subtitles and furigana

The Fukushima Prefectural Residents’ Song is adorned with the prefectural flower, tree, and bird throughout its lyrics, beautifully expressing the region’s natural beauty.

Established in February 1967, it is composed of lyrics and music selected through a public contest.

Created to strengthen residents’ sense of unity, the melody is cheerful yet somehow nostalgic—a work brimming with hometown pride.

After the Great East Japan Earthquake, it has also been used on television and at ceremonies as a symbol of hopes for recovery.

Even more than half a century later, it continues to be cherished and sung as a song that supports Fukushima’s recovery and hope for the future.