[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?
- Band, musician, and singer from Gunma Prefecture
- [Songs of Saitama] A Wealth of Humor-Filled Classics! Local Anthems Packed with Love for Saitama
- [Local Songs] Recommended tracks packed with Japan’s nationwide classics and hometown pride
- A classic song about Nagano. The enduring spirit of our hometown passed down through song.
- A classic song that sings of Yamanashi. The enduring heart of our hometown.
- [Songs of Kanagawa] A showcase of classic masterpieces that sing of port-town scenes and the feelings of its people!
- Recommended songs about mountains: classic and popular tracks for mountaineering and mountain songs
- Tokyo Desert: A Collection of Kiyoshi Maekawa’s Easy-to-Sing Songs [2026]
- A roundup of regional enka songs: classic hits that feature places from all across Japan in their lyrics.
- [Japan’s Tallest Mountain] Famous songs about Mount Fuji: recommended popular tracks
- [Songs of Yamaguchi] Introducing local tunes filled with hometown love and tracks related to Yamaguchi
- [Akita Songs] A Collection of Gem-Like Local Tunes Filled with Love for Hometowns
- [Yamagata Songs] Beloved local tunes and classic tracks celebrating majestic nature and hometown pride
[Songs of Gunma] A treasury of gems singing of Gunma’s nature and the spirit of its people (1–10)
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.
MY CITYDOTAMA
Known as the “pinnacle of disses in glasses” for his razor-sharp words in MC battles, DOTAMA expresses a warm love for his hometown in this work through rap.
Over a rhythmic beat, he speaks about familiar cityscapes and local specialties, as well as the shifting realities of regional cities and the gentle gaze he casts upon the people who live there.
His straightforward hometown pride is enough to make you feel nostalgic for your own roots just by listening.
Released in October 2018, this track was produced as the official promotional song for Sano City in Tochigi Prefecture, DOTAMA’s birthplace.
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.
[Songs of Gunma] Exquisite masterpieces that sing of Gunma’s nature and the spirit of its people (11–20)
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.
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.
Gunmasatou mai
This is a hometown-loving work by Mai Sato, a singer-songwriter from Shibukawa City, Gunma Prefecture, who says she “made it out of an overwhelming love for her home, Gunma.” Rather than relying on external assessments like attractiveness rankings, it conveys the pure pride felt by the people who live there, directly and sincerely, through warm piano tones and a clear, strong vocal performance.
The piece was included on the 2019 album “GUNMA.
"Gunma." It was also selected as the official theme song for the Gunma Programming Award, suggesting how deeply it is cherished by the local community.