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

Taisho Bridge Songsatou mai

Song of Taisho Bridge / Mai Sato / Original / Gunma

This is a lyrical song by Mai Sato that sings of her childhood memories in her hometown, Shibukawa City, Gunma Prefecture.

Memories of crossing the Taisho Bridge to visit her grandparents and scenes of the steam locomotive she saw there are sung over gentle piano tones.

True to the story that she “sang it in one heartfelt take,” her unadorned, straightforward voice is deeply moving.

The piece was also performed during her solo piano-and-vocal tour starting in July 2025, warming the hearts of many who long for their hometowns.

For those living far away, listening to it may bring back sudden images of familiar landscapes and the smiles of family.

Squeeze the ∞ ribbon tight ∞Uchida Aya

Squeeze the Infinity Ribbon ∞ (Gunma-chan Dance) / Aya Uchida

This is the official character song of the prefecture, sung by voice actor Aya Uchida, who hails from Gunma.

The song’s themes are ribbons that connect people’s hearts and love that expands infinitely, and Uchida—who serves as a Gunma Special Ambassador—conveys that message directly with her warm vocals.

Produced to coincide with the “Gunmachan Birthday Party” in February 2021, the piece also features choreography that incorporates the prefecture’s shape, known as the “crane pose,” which is a highlight.

For those with ties to Gunma, simply listening may bring the scenery of your hometown to mind and fill you with warmth.

Jōshū Broken Straw HatYamauchi Keisuke

Joshu Torn Straw Hat / Keisuke Yamauchi cover by Shin

With the mountains of Haruna and Akagi in view, this travel-infused song portrays a lone traveler walking along the Jōshū road as dead leaves dance in the wind.

Through Keisuke Yamauchi’s sharp, cutting vocals, the harshness of a life lived in concealment and the fervent passion kept deep in the heart are powerfully conveyed.

The narrative-like phrasing and lyrical melody overlap with the protagonist’s burdened melancholy, drawing you irresistibly into its story world.

The track is included on the EP “Sarase Fuyu no Arashi (Namida-ban),” released in June 2018.

Why not listen while envisioning the grandeur of Gunma’s natural landscape?

Konnyaku ParadiseKanako

"Konnyaku Paradise" Short Ver. [Shimomita Official Support Song]

This is a danceable J-pop track that brims with love for Shimonita Town’s local specialties—so catchy it’ll make anyone want to start dancing.

Created by singer-songwriter Kanako, it features lyrics that humorously capture the endlessly versatile charm of konnyaku.

Released in April 2017 as Shimonita Town’s officially endorsed support song, the single was later included on the album “Again.” One listen will surely make you want to visit Shimonita—and might just leave you craving konnyaku dishes.

Edo Maiden, Joshu CrowSegawa Eiko

Edo Maiden, Joshu Crow

Set in Joshu, present-day Gunma Prefecture, this song richly conveys the spirit of a traveler passed down from parent to child.

The chill of the wind and the image of swaying, split-sided baggage seem to mirror the harshness of life and the protagonist’s resolve to keep facing forward.

The spoken, narrative-like lines woven into the music add depth to a story sung across generations.

Released by Eiko Segawa in August 1999, the song is also included on the best-of album “Eiko Segawa Zenkyokushū.” It gently supports those embarking on a new chapter in life or striving far from their hometown.

Woman of TakasakiMine Takashi (Rosu Purimosu)

Woman of Takasaki (Hito) - Los Primos, Mr. Mine himself

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’?”

town/cityMAY’S

MAY’S – City

May’s is a two-person male-female group.

The vocalist, Maiko Katagiri, is from Kiryu City in Gunma Prefecture and wrote the lyrics to this song, “Machi” (Town).

National Route 50 and Mount Akagi are fairly specific references, but I imagine Oka Park is a small park that only locals would know.

It’s a song in which you can feel a deep affection for the singer’s hometown in each and every detail.