[2026] Masterpieces that sing of Hokkaido: the heart of a beloved homeland passed down in song
Hokkaido, a land surrounded by grand, beautiful, and sometimes harsh nature, has often been featured as the setting in songs—especially kayōkyoku and enka—from the Showa era to the present day.
Artists and bands from Hokkaido sometimes write songs about their own hometown, and there are countless masterpieces themed around the northern land.
This time, we’ll introduce a selection of songs connected to Hokkaido, regardless of genre or era.
From famous hits to hidden gems, give them a listen while picturing the scenery of Hokkaido!
- [Folk and Children's Songs of Hokkaido] Songs of Hokkaido that continue to be loved across generations
- [Local Songs] Recommended tracks packed with Japan’s nationwide classics and hometown pride
- A roundup of regional enka songs: classic hits that feature places from all across Japan in their lyrics.
- [Hometown Songs] A curated selection of popular Japanese tracks that fill your heart with nostalgia
- [Song of Osaka] A selection of passionate, warm-hearted Osaka tunes
- [Songs of Aomori] A collection of local songs depicting the grandeur of nature and the warmth of its people.
- Chiba Songs: A comprehensive introduction, from famous tunes filled with hometown love to local theme songs
- [2026] Enka Spring Songs to Savor: A Collection of Classic Enka That Evokes the Japanese Spring
- [Japanese School Anthems] A Hot Topic at Koshien! From Beautiful Anthems to Unique Ones, All Introduced at Once
- Winter songs you'll want to listen to in the cold season! Recommended for the yutori generation
- [For Seniors] Heartwarming Winter Classics: A Cozy Moment with Nostalgic Kayōkyoku and Traditional Songs
- A classic song that sings of Nagasaki: the enduring heart of our hometown
- [2026] A Collection of Classic Enka Songs Depicting Winter Scenery
[2026] Masterpieces Singing of Hokkaido: The Heart of the Hometown Passed Down in Song (51–60)
Hakodate Night ViewMori Konomi
This moving ballad, with a grand sense of scale and the night view of Hakodate, Hokkaido as its main theme, expresses traditional enka elements through a contemporary sensibility.
Konomi Mori’s powerful yet delicate vocals vividly depict the scenery of the port town, leaving a deep resonance in listeners’ hearts.
Released as a single in May 2019, the song has also been used as a tourism PR piece for Hakodate City, Hokkaido.
It’s featured at events and campaigns hosted by the city and the tourism association, and frequently spotlighted by local radio stations and TV programs.
Highly recommended for those who want to savor the charm of Hakodate with all five senses, or for anyone who feels nostalgic for their hometown.
It’s a gem of a track that lets you fully experience the atmosphere of this beautiful port city.
The Legend of the Crimson Lily of the ValleyLovelyz
This is the debut single by the duo Lovelyz, who debuted in 1978.
The two members are graduates of the Hirao Masaaki Music School, and this song was created as a local tune for Lake Shikotsu in Hokkaido.
Its brisk rhythm and minor-key harmonies evoke a sense of melancholy.
There are various theories, such as that the Legend of the Crimson Lily-of-the-Valley actually pertains to Lake Okotanpe.
Night in KushiroMikawa Ken’ichi
Released in 1968, this is Kenichi Mikawa’s 11th single.
The setting is Nusamai Bridge in Kushiro City, Hokkaido, spanning the Kushiro River.
Later, a film with the same title was produced, inspired by this song.
It’s a mood-rich piece that showcases Kenichi Mikawa’s wistful, melancholic vocals.
Sōran Migratory BirdsKomadori Shimai
This is a gem of a masterpiece that beautifully intertwines Hokkaido’s majestic scenery with a traveler’s state of mind.
Drawing on the folk song “Soran Bushi” as its motif, the powerful melody and the timbre of the shamisen blend exquisitely, vividly portraying the harsh nature of the northern land and the lives of its people.
Released as a single by Nippon Columbia in April 1961, the song became emblematic of the Komadori Sisters’ career and led to the remarkable achievement of their first appearance on NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen that same year.
It has been included on numerous classic albums, such as “Columbia Duet Super Select” and “Definitive Edition: The Komadori Sisters Complete Collection.” Highly recommended for those who feel nostalgia for Hokkaido or who want to experience the compelling allure of enka.
Fighters’ AnthemUesugi Shudai
This is the official cheer song of the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters.
Although the song has been used since the team was based in Tokyo, it has continued to be used after the move to Hokkaido.
The video features a version sung by Shudai Uesugi, a local celebrity from Sapporo.