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

Soma Love SongAtsumi Kayō Kyōshitsu Happyōkai

Soma, known as the hometown of folk songs, also appears very frequently in enka, with many songs that include the name Soma.

In particular, even with the title “Soma Koika” (Soma Love Song), there are completely different songs, so I had trouble choosing.

I picked this one because it clearly takes Soma’s port as its setting, and I liked the line that sings of a heart in a storm.

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.

Woman of AizuKitajima Saburō

Woman of Aizu

Set in the steamy hot-spring town of Aizu’s Higashiyama Onsen, this is Saburo ‘Sab-chan,’ famed for his local theme songs.

Unlike his spirited hits like “Matsuri” and “Tairyōbune,” here he passionately sings a poem—sprinkled with famous Aizu landmarks—about an unforgettable woman with a touch of sadness.

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.