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

#33Mebius

Mebius “Smile” ~Hiroshima Toyo Carp Ryosuke Kikuchi’s Life Theme Song~

This is the song used as the walk-up music for Ryosuke Kikuchi of the Hiroshima Toyo Carp.

The title, of course, comes from Kikuchi’s jersey number.

Mebius, a sister duo from Hiroshima, delivers a refreshing up-tempo tune, with perfectly matched harmonies that pump up Kikuchi’s entrance.

Woman of OnomichiKitajima Saburō

(39) Woman of Onomichi (Saburo Kitajima)

A song released in 1966, back when Saburo Kitajima—affectionately known as “Sab-chan,” one of the biggest figures in the enka world—was still just starting out.

It evokes the sweet yet fleeting scene of a man who has traveled all the way from the north, crossing the sea, to reunite with a woman from his memories.

Hiroshima HeavenMinami Issei

Hiroshima Heaven

This is Minami’s signature song released in 1980, with activities centered in Hiroshima.

He later became well known for singing the Hiroshima Toyo Carp team song “Sore Ike Carp,” and in recognition of these accomplishments, he received the Hiroshima Citizens’ Award in 2010.

For the people of the prefecture, it could be called a song of the heart.

Ferry to MatsuyamaMurashita Kōzō

Kozo Murashita - Ferry to Matsuyama

The late Kozo Murashita, known for his song “First Love,” also has a hidden gem called “The Ferry to Matsuyama,” which poignantly sings of a heartbreaking farewell between lovers.

Although Hiroshima and Ehime are only about 60 km apart across the Seto Inland Sea—not a great distance—crossing the water makes it feel far away, which, I think, lends even greater depth to the lyrics’ sense of sorrow.

And FukuyamaSandai Sayaka

And Fukuyama - Saya Saka Miyoyo (with lyric subtitles) cover by etuko

Ms.

Sandaime is usually active in the enka scene, but in this rare, mood-kayō style song, she shows us a different side of her voice.

Fukuyama City is famous for its roses, and the lyrics evoke such scenery, which is one of the highlights of the piece.

Hiroshima, River of LoveSakushi: Nakazawa Keiji sakushi / Sakkyoku: Yamamoto Katsuhiko

[Hiroshima Ai no Kawa] Tokiko Kato 55th Anniversary

This is a solemn prayer song born from the only poem left by Keiji Nakazawa, the creator of the manga Barefoot Gen.

You can almost see the scene of countless lights floating on the flow of Hiroshima’s rivers, entrusted with the sorrow of the atomic bombing and hopes for the future.

Released in June 2014, this piece has been cherished as a symbol of peace, sung every year at Hiroshima’s peace events on August 6, the anniversary of the bombing.

It’s a song to listen to when you want to quietly honor the memories etched in history and reflect anew on the preciousness of peace.

Winds of the Aki-nadaReemondo Matsuya

Raymond Matsuya / The Wind of Akinada

After releasing this song independently in 2008, Raymond Matsuya made his major-label debut at the astonishing age of 59—a true late-blooming singer-songwriter.

The lyrics are lovely, portraying with purity a woman waiting for her loved one who is expected to come from Hiroshima.