[Songs of Fukushima] Thinking of my hometown | A heartwarming collection of classic songs celebrating the beautiful “Fukushima”
Songs woven from Fukushima’s rich land and the warm hearts of the people who live there.
From GReeeeN’s upbeat anthems, to songs that encouraged the Hula Girls, to enka pieces that evoke the port town of Soma, melodies rooted in the region still resonate today.
In this article, we’ve gathered heartwarming classics filled with love for Fukushima.
As you let your mind wander to the land of Fukushima—or think of your own hometown or family living far away—lend an ear to a world of songs brimming with hometown love.
- Folksongs, children's songs, and nursery rhymes of Fukushima: the heart of our hometown passed down in song
- [Local Songs] Recommended tracks packed with Japan’s nationwide classics and hometown pride
- Miyagi Songs: Popular tracks that celebrate famous sights and specialties, and timeless pieces filled with love for home
- A classic enka masterpiece about one's hometown. A wonderful song that evokes thoughts of home.
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- A classic song that celebrates Niigata. The enduring spirit of our hometown passed down through song.
- [Songs of Aomori] A collection of local songs depicting the grandeur of nature and the warmth of its people.
- The soul’s cry woven into Japanese elegies: unraveling supreme masterpieces that resonate with the heart.
- [GReeeeN’s Masterpieces] Numerous Tie-ins! Collection of Big Hits & Popular Songs
- GReeeeN Cheer Songs and Popular Tracks Ranking [2026]
- A roundup of regional enka songs: classic hits that feature places from all across Japan in their lyrics.
- GReeeeN’s Most Moving Songs and Popular Tracks Ranking [2026]
- GReeeeN’s Tearjerker Songs and Most Popular Tracks: Ranking [2026]
[Songs of Fukushima] Reflecting on Our Hometown | A Heartwarming Collection of Masterpieces Singing the Beauty of “Fukushima” (41–50)
Jangara Love SongHarumi Kurenai
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.
Iwaki City SongFujiyama Ichirō
There was a song about Iwaki City, but it’s unclear how well-known it actually is among people who live there.
The tune has a cheer-song vibe, and judging from the introduction video it features Iwaki’s famous tourist spots and history, but I had to laugh when the Maruto supermarket showed up.
It’s a well-known supermarket locally.
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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.
Shirakawa Festival SongOugi Yoko
The Kannenbutsu dance of Nedda in Shirakawa City has strong entertainment elements.
It used to be found from around Shirakawa City as far as Tochigi Prefecture, but now it survives only in two places: Nedda and Minamisukama in Tamakawa Village.
In Fukushima Prefecture, there are dances referred to as “nenbutsu odori,” and in the Hamadori region’s Iwaki City there is the “Jangara Nenbutsu Odori.” The songs and dances vary by region, but those are imbued less with entertainment and more with the meaning of consoling the spirits during the first Obon after someone’s passing.
In conclusion
From longing for home and recovery from the earthquake to traditional food culture, these masterpieces are filled with deep love for Fukushima. Feelings for one’s hometown of Fukushima are at times heartrending and at times powerful, resonating in the hearts of all who listen. Why not take your time to savor them and let your thoughts drift to the land of Fukushima?