[Hiroshima Songs] The Heart of Our Hometown Passed Down in Song | A Curated Selection of Timeless Classics Loved Across Generations

ChallengerPerfume

Perfume – “Challenger” (Official Music Video)

This song by Perfume, a three-member technopop unit from Hiroshima, proudly sings of the spirit of challengers.

It’s a special work that reconstructs the track which marked their fateful encounter with producer Yasutaka Nakata, serving as a bridge between their origins and the present.

Included on the best-of album “Perfume The Best ‘P Cubed’” released in September 2019, the piece commemorated the milestones of their 20th anniversary as a group and 15th anniversary since their major-label debut, and was chosen as the support song for the women’s football team Sanfrecce Hiroshima Regina.

The music video also comes with a moving story: in a project contest that drew over 1,000 submissions from around the world, a plan devised by an 11-year-old elementary school student was selected.

It’s a song that carries their love for their hometown of Hiroshima and gives a push to those embarking on new challenges.

Airport LogNakajima Miyuki

Airport Log

Set in an airport where departures and farewells intersect, this memorable song by Miyuki Nakajima delicately portrays the drama of human emotion.

It was included as the B-side to the single “Namida -Made in tears-” released in October 1988.

Its warmth, reflecting the longing for one’s hometown and the bonds that keep hearts connected despite distance, resonates with the local pride of Hiroshima’s residents.

It is a song that quietly stays close to the hearts of those who have left their hometown and miss Hiroshima, or who are experiencing a farewell with someone dear.

Hiroshima Oyster Songsakushi: Katō Hisatsugu / sakkyoku: Tsukiyama Shōun

[MV] “Hiroshima Oyster Song” — Gassan Shoun feat. Takun Arisaka

An homage song to Hiroshima’s famed local specialty: oysters.

Set to a lively melody, it celebrates the allure of oysters nurtured by the hometown sea and the pride of Hiroshima’s people.

Released in January 2022, the piece has been used for local events such as tourism campaigns within Hiroshima Prefecture and oyster festivals, and is widely loved as a regional PR song.

It has also been featured on local TV and radio, and is becoming established among Hiroshima residents.

It’s a must-listen for those from Hiroshima living away from home, as well as anyone interested in Hiroshima’s food culture.

Hiroshima Peace SongSakushi: Shigezono Yoshio / Sakkyoku: Yamamoto Shuu

Hiroshima Peace Song

A gem of a choral work imbued with the desire to pass on the devastation of the Hiroshima atomic bombing to future generations and to pray for world peace.

First unveiled at the inaugural “Peace Festival” on August 6, 1947, this piece powerfully expresses a prayer for peace.

It has been sung every year at Hiroshima’s Peace Memorial Ceremony, and in 2018, under the baton of Hiroshima-born conductor Eiji Oue, a CD was produced with the cooperation of the Hiroshima Shin-on Orchestra and the Hiroshima Choral Association.

In 2023, an English-language video was also released as part of the Hiroshima International Peace and Culture Festival.

This is a song that resonates deeply with all who carry a wish for peace in their hearts, and with those who seek to connect with the spirit of Hiroshima.

Come on over! Kita-HiroKitahiroshima-chō Imēji Kyarakutā Hanada Maitre ō Kōshiki Tēma Songu

Kita-Hiroshima Town image character Hanada Mataro Official Theme Song “Come On Over! Kita-Hiro” (Choreography Version)

The official theme song packed with the charms of Kitahiroshima Town features a bright, lively melody that celebrates the town’s seasonal nature and traditional culture.

The song makes the character Butako Hanada more approachable and weaves in local traditions such as the Mibu Rice-Planting Festival and Kagura dance.

After its release in 2016, Butako Hanada placed 73rd in the 2017 national Yuru-chara Grand Prix, helping raise the region’s profile.

It’s a recommended track for anyone who wants to discover the appeal of Kitahiroshima Town or feel the warmth of Japan’s countryside.

HO.JA.NEOYSTER END×YU-KA

「 HO.JA.NE 」 OYSTER END × YU-KA　(from HIROSIMA)

At the time, it was popular to arrange EAST END × YURI’s “DA.YO.NE” into local versions, and this one is the Hiroshima Prefecture edition.

It’s packed with little references related to Hiroshima, resulting in a deep cut much like the other regional versions.

MONEYHamada Shogo

Money (WE ARE STILL ON THE ROAD.)

A signature song by singer-songwriter Shogo Hamada, known as “Hamasho.” The album that features this track, DOWN BY THE MAINSTREET, is said to be modeled on the industrial zones around Kure City in Hiroshima Prefecture, where Hamada grew up.

You can feel the fervent desire of a man who vows to leave his small town, seize his dreams, and one day return.