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

Cherry CommanderKawada Masako, Yurikago-kai

Cherry Commander

When it comes to regions famous for cherries, Yamagata Prefecture comes to mind.

The name Moniwa Village in Date District, Fukushima Prefecture, might not be very familiar, but this area is also known for its cherries.

This is a bright and lively song that celebrates cherries—tiny, red fruits that ripen with the arrival of spring.

Aizu Nostalgic SongKaori Haruna

Kaori Haruna “Aizu Nostalgia Song”

While feeling the loneliness of a childhood friend getting married and leaving, this enka song savors the taste of home and wishes for the other’s happiness from the mountains of Aizu, and, as expected, includes a verse from Aizu’s representative folk song, Aizu Bandaisan.

I thought Kaori Haruna was from Fukushima Prefecture, but she was actually born in Tokyo.

I long for Soma.Harada Hiroshi

I miss Soma (Vocals: Hiroshi Harada)

A man from Soma District in Fukushima Prefecture left his hometown long ago, and he sings that he still cannot forget the loneliness he felt at that time.

Even in everyday life, when his regional accent slips out while drinking, he feels a comforting sense of being able to be himself.

I believe that, not just in Fukushima, feelings of homesickness are strong for everyone in their own way.

Ban’etsu West Linesenya senkyoku

Northern Traveler - Yujiro Ishihara

It’s a local line that runs from Koriyama Station in Fukushima Prefecture, via Aizu-Wakamatsu, to Niitsu Station in Niigata Prefecture.

Surrounded by mountains, the sight of a few train cars trundling along feels peaceful and soothing.

In the Hunters’ local song, the singer rides the Ban’etsu West Line while revisiting a youthful love that has slipped away—somehow, these scenic places seem to suit heartbreak perfectly.

breathAERIAL

Spa Resort Hawaiians Support Song “Ibuki / AERIAL”

The Hula Girls, who performed shows at Spa Resort Hawaiians in Iwaki City, Fukushima Prefecture, also lost their jobs due to the earthquake disaster.

However, wanting to lift people’s spirits even a little through their hula dancing, they visited evacuation shelters to offer comfort and held free performances across the country as part of the National Hula Girls Kizuna Caravan.

This is a support song for Spa Resort Hawaiians.

Soma Motherly AffectionOkawa Akemi

Minami Ren “The Inner Sōma Road” No. 1

Writing it as ‘motherly affection’ rather than ‘yearning’ becomes clear when you listen to the song.

Looking at the sky and feeling the wind bring back memories of a hometown far away.

Not limited to Soma, local pride festivals become nostalgic memories, and for those who have a hometown, this is an enka song that surely resonates in the heart.

Jangara Love SongHarumi Kurenai

Harumi Kurenai / Jangara Love Song

This is a poem by Kure Harumi, who grew up during the heyday of the Joban coal mines.

With the mines’ closure, she mourned her decaying hometown and sang of the coal town of the past.

Row houses like the “harmonica nagaya” were a common sight in coal-mining towns, and “jangara” refers to a hand gong; during festivals in the Iwaki area, the sound of these gongs rings out everywhere.