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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)

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.

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.

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

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.

Mount HarunaMizumori Kaori

Kaori Mizumori [Mount Haruna] with Lyrics – Lyrics by Eiji Takino / Music by Yukihiko Ito
Mount HarunaMizumori Kaori

A local song from Gunma Prefecture by Kaori Mizumori, known as the “Queen of Local Songs.” Mount Haruna in Gunma has long been an object of mountain worship, and at its southwestern foot lies Haruna Shrine, famed as a spiritual power spot.

As you listen to this piece, which sings of a heartbroken woman against the backdrop of Gunma’s famous sights, why not let your thoughts drift to the land of Gunma?

Gunmasatou mai

Mai Sato - Gunma - MUSIC VIDEO -
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.

Summer MemoriesSakushi: Ema Akiko / Sakkyoku: Nakata Yoshinao

Natsu no Omoide (Summer Memories) is a song so famous for depicting Japan’s original pastoral landscape.

The “Oze” that appears in the lyrics is said to refer to a high-altitude marshland spanning three prefectures: Fukushima, Niigata, and Gunma.

If you listen while picturing the majestic natural scenery that remains in Gunma, you may experience a different kind of emotion than when hearing it simply as a traditional school song.