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[Songs of Gunma] Exquisite masterpieces that sing of Gunma’s nature and the spirit of its people

When you hear place names from Gunma, do a nostalgic melody and lyrics come to mind? Songs themed around Gunma Prefecture are wonderfully diverse—from children’s songs and traditional school songs to enka, J-pop, and anime tunes! Many masterpieces vividly portray the atmosphere of hot spring towns, the grandeur of the mountains, and everyday life, and just hearing them makes you want to visit Gunma.

In this article, we’ve gathered songs related to Gunma Prefecture.

Why not discover Gunma’s lesser-known charms through music?

[Songs of Gunma] A treasury of gems singing of Gunma’s nature and the spirit of its people (1–10)

Nishifuji Parkback number

This is a classic song by back number set in a real park located in Ota City, Gunma Prefecture, the hometown of vocalist Iyori Shimizu.

Against the clear air of winter, the frustration of being unable to express one’s feelings to someone you love and the growing heartache are portrayed through a crystal-clear melody.

The track is included on their indie-era mini album “Nogashita Sakana,” released in February 2009.

It’s so beloved by fans that it was later re-recorded for the best-of album “Encore.” When you’re holding your feelings for someone dear close to your chest, listening to this song may gently stay by your side.

Sano-maru OndoDaiamondo☆Yukai

This exceptionally cheerful local folk-odori song was written and composed by Diamond☆Yukai, who’s best known for his rock singer image.

Released in July 2016, it’s the official song of Sano City in Tochigi Prefecture and is also known for closing the Tochigi TV gourmet program “Diamond☆Yukai and the Delightful Ramen Laboratory.” The lyrics parade local specialties like Sano ramen and potato fries one after another—just listening might make you hungry.

Celebrating hometown scenery and the warmth of its people, the song is sure to resonate with those who love their local community.

It’s a friendly classic that makes you want to dance together at festivals.

Maebashi Witches are insanely awesome!Maebashi Witchizu

This is a standout track featuring the powerful vocals of Maebashi Witches, a voice-actor idol group born from an anime set in Maebashi City, Gunma Prefecture.

The lyrics by Tsunku♂ playfully weave in the members’ names and different types of flowers under the theme of a flower fortune, creating a wordplay that feels like a jigsaw puzzle.

The song served as the opening theme for the anime Maebashi Witches, which aired starting in April 2025.

An event-limited edition was released earlier in September 2024, followed by the single in May 2025.

With its energetic, catchy melody, it’s the perfect pick-me-up when you need a little push.

[Songs of Gunma] Exquisite masterpieces that sing of Gunma’s nature and the spirit of its people (11–20)

Wind of JōshūKatte ni Kankō Kyōkai

Local Song of Gunma Prefecture “Jōshū no Kaze” / Unofficial Tourism Association
Wind of JōshūKatte ni Kankō Kyōkai

This playful Gunma song was created by the duo “Katteni Kanko Kyokai” (Self-Appointed Tourism Association), consisting of Jun Miura and Hajime Anzai.

Set to an upbeat, lively melody, the lyrics uniquely introduce a parade of Gunma-related figures such as Chuji Kunisada, Chiaki Mukai, and Monjiro Kogarashi.

The track is included on the album “Katteni Kanko Kyokai Vol.

1,” released in February 2008.

Listening to this while driving along the Joshu roads swept by the karakkaze winds will put you in the best of spirits! It’s a highly recommended song for anyone who wants to experience Gunma’s spirit and local character through music.

Joshu KoikazeMizumori Kaori

A poignant love song set in Jōshū Gunma, sung by Kaori Mizumori, known as the “Queen of Local Songs.” You can picture a woman whose tears mingle with the winds blowing down from Mount Akagi as she walks alone along the stone steps of Ikaho and the brick paths of the Tomioka Silk Mill.

The track appears on the album Kayō Kikō 15: Echigo Suibara, released in September 2016.

The lyrics skillfully weave in Gunma’s beautiful scenery and atmosphere, and the travel-evoking melody dramatizes her heartrending journey.

Gunma TwilightFuji Keiko

It’s an enka song steeped in melancholy, one that vividly evokes the twilight scenery of Gunma.

Keiko Fuji—whose debut album set a record with 20 consecutive weeks at number one—delivers a deeply penetrating, husky vocal that perfectly matches that sudden pang of loneliness you feel while traveling.

This piece was included on the 1988 EP “Tabiji” (The Journey).

Its travel-tinged melody can stir a sense of nostalgia even in listeners with no connection to Gunma.

It’s a gem you’ll want to savor at dusk, lost in thought.

Woman of TakasakiMine Takashi (Rosu Purimosu)

Woman of Takasaki (Hito) - Los Primos, Mr. Mine himself
Woman of TakasakiMine Takashi (Rosu Purimosu)

Takasaki no Onna, a solo song by Takashi Mine of Los Primos—famous for mood kayō—was included as the B-side of the 2006 single Forever Tokyo.

The lyrics were written by Mine’s wife, Seiren, and the music was composed by Mine himself.

Knowing it’s a collaboration between husband and wife, some listeners might find their imaginations running wild, wondering, “Who exactly is the ‘woman of Takasaki’?”