Lovely nursery rhymes, folk songs, and children's songs

[2026] Masterpieces that sing of Hokkaido: the heart of a beloved homeland passed down in song

music writerKOH-1
Started working as a music writer as a side job while employed at a record shop, and for over 18 years I’ve contributed to music magazines, disc guide books, mooks, and web media. As a writer my main field is Western music, but as a listener for over 35 years, I always try to keep my curiosity alive with the motto “I like what I like.” I have experience playing in bands, where I was a bassist who handled songwriting and composition. Instruments I’ve played include bass, guitar, and piano. I began studying English in my mid-40s and continue to do so today.
Yoga teacherYuuko.S
Nice to meet you. I’m Yuko S. I teach yoga, meditation, and Laughter Yoga Music. I offer Laughter Yoga Music because ensuring children’s psychological safety fosters the development of their brains and minds and helps them cultivate their talents. I have produced many Laughter Yoga Music recreation sessions that simply let people enjoy laughter, music, and dance—connecting India and Japan via Zoom for both children and adults. My track record includes regularly held Nerima Laughter Yoga classes, regularly held Kichijoji Laughter Yoga Music classes, and occasional Laughter Yoga Music events. I’m currently involved in various kinds of work, and as I began facing myself more deeply, I continued studying NLP—sometimes called an instruction manual for the brain and mind—as well as the deeper unconscious realms of the psyche; I now also work as a psychological therapist. I love music, too. Back in my student days, I was such a big fan of the band LÄ-PPISCH that I even joined their fan club. I was a total live-music girl, spending most of my part-time earnings on indie concert tickets, lol. I listen to music across genres, and since I’ve lived in India, I especially listen to a lot of Indian music.

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!

[2026] Masterpieces Singing of Hokkaido: The Heart of the Hometown Passed Down in Song (51–60)

Ah, SusukinoSumairēji

S/mileage 'Ah, Susukino' (Promotion Edit)

Ah, SusukinoSumairēji

This is a 2014 song released as S/mileage’s final single before they renamed themselves ANGERME.

It portrays the feelings of a woman who, while traveling, ends up arguing with her lover in Susukino.

The poignant melody, overflowing with Tsunku’s distinctive style, leaves a strong impression.

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Traveler of the NorthIshihara Yūjirō

Ishihara Yujiro "Traveler of the North"

Traveler of the NorthIshihara Yūjirō

A poignant love story set in Japan’s northern lands that graced Yujiro Ishihara’s final years.

Released in 1987, this song vividly portrays the scenery of Hakodate and Otaru in Hokkaido, and stands as a masterpiece that deeply evokes lost love and loneliness.

Yoko Yamaguchi’s woven lyrics and Tetsuya Gen’s flowing melody blend beautifully, and together with Ishihara’s wistful voice, they move the hearts of many listeners.

A song befitting the end of the Showa era, it sold 1.25 million copies and reached No.

1 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart.

It’s a gem that you’ll want to savor on long winter nights—irresistible even to those who aren’t fans of enka.

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Melancholy SapporoMatsuzaka Keiko & Hama Keisuke

Melancholy Sapporo / Keiko Matsuzaka & Keisuke Hama

Melancholy SapporoMatsuzaka Keiko & Hama Keisuke

It’s a duet song by actress Keiko Matsuzaka and composer Keisuke Hama.

Set in Sapporo, it’s a love song with a sophisticated, mature mood.

It truly feels like a song for grown men and women, and it would likely be a big hit at karaoke.

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Becoming a Thousand WindsAkiyama Masashi

Masafumi Akikawa / A Thousand Winds (short ver.)

Becoming a Thousand WindsAkiyama Masashi

“A Thousand Winds” is a work in which lyricist-composer and singer Man Arai translated the poem “Do not stand at my grave and weep,” which became a topic of conversation in the United States, into Japanese in 2001 and set it to music.

After purchasing a vacation home in Nanae, Hokkaido, Arai translated “A Thousand Winds” surrounded by the area’s tranquility and beautiful nature.

The single character for “wind” evokes Hokkaido’s vast landscapes, doesn’t it? When Masafumi Akikawa covered this masterpiece in 2006, it became widely beloved.

It makes you want to spread your arms and sing amid Hokkaido’s magnificent nature.

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Kado(guchi) Shichigatsu

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In conclusion

We introduced popular and classic songs connected to Hokkaido.

Perhaps many of you were reminded of your hometown Hokkaido and felt a renewed sense of local pride.

Even if you don’t have any ties to Hokkaido, I hope the songs featured here helped you feel the vast land and spirit of Hokkaido.

Please find a song that makes you feel Hokkaido.