[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: Classic songs about Hokkaido — the enduring heart of our homeland (1–10)
I long for Southern HokkaidoKoyama Yudai
Set against the majestic backdrop of Southern Hokkaido, this enka song gently gives voice to the bittersweet feelings of a man who has left his hometown.
It weaves in scenic images unique to the region—waves breaking on the Sea of Japan, hot-spring towns wreathed in steam, and sunsets over Volcano Bay.
The powerful, soaring vocals of rising talent Yudai Koyama convey every nuance of longing for home.
Released by King Records in April 2024, this ambitious work features lyrics by Suzuko Sawada and composition by Tetsuya Gen.
It’s a song you’ll want to hear in the chill of autumn and winter—one that will resonate deeply not only with people from Hokkaido, but with anyone living far from their hometown.
North TavernHosokawa Takashi
Takashi Hosokawa is an enka singer from Makkari Village in Abuta District, Hokkaido.
Before moving to Tokyo, he performed mainly at clubs in Susukino, Sapporo, and because his style resembled that of singer Shinichi Mori, he was called “Sapporo’s Shinichi Mori.” Hosokawa’s song Kitazakaba (Northern Tavern) is an essential Hokkaido tune.
Released in 1982, this classic depicts a love story set in a chilly northern bar.
The song earned him his first Japan Record Award at the 24th ceremony.
Its warm, catchy melody will have you humming along before you know it.
Be sure to enjoy it as your nighttime companion when you travel to Hokkaido!
Long, Long Ago (Home Song)NEW!Hokkaidō
Among the three songs designated as songs of the people of Hokkaido in May 1967, this one is cherished as a home song.
In contrast to the vigorous march “Hikari Afurete,” it gently sings of the history of pioneering and everyday life, like an old folktale.
The lyrics were selected through a public contest, and the music was composed by Yoshinao Nakada, known for “Medaka no Gakkō.” Its warm melody remains deeply etched in the hearts of Hokkaido’s people today.
[2026] Masterpieces that sing of Hokkaido: The enduring heart of our homeland (11–20)
Radiant with Light (March)NEW!Hokkaidō
Do you know a march that captures the grand sense of scale unique to Hokkaido, with its vast lands? This piece celebrates the rich natural beauty of plains, forests, and lakes, while proclaiming a strong hope for the future.
Though a march, it is characterized by an accessible, friendly melody.
The composer is Hachidai Nakamura, famous for “Ue o Muite Arukō” (“Sukiyaki”).
When it was designated in May 1967 as the “Song of the People of Hokkaido” as part of the Hokkaido Centennial Project, the public call for lyrics drew an astonishing 1,463 submissions.
Among the three officially designated Hokkaido prefectural songs, this is the one most frequently performed.
Hokkai Bayashi (Hokkaido Residents’ Folk Dance)NEW!Hokkaidō
In fact, Hokkaido has as many as three songs that have been designated as “Songs of the People of Hokkaido.” Among them, the one introduced here is Hokkai Bayashi, an ondō-style piece beloved at festivals and Bon dances.
With a powerful rhythm that sings of the vast land and rich nature, the work perfectly embodies the very scale of Hokkaido.
It was produced in May 1967, based on lyrics solicited from the public as part of the Hokkaido Centennial Commemoration project.
North AirportKatsura Ginshuku, Hama Keisuke
Set against the vast landscapes of Hokkaido, this gem of a duet was released in 1987.
With emotionally rich vocals by Ginshū Katsura and Keisuke Hama, it delicately yet powerfully portrays a man and woman’s parting and reunion at Sapporo’s airport.
Its wistful melody and warm singing blend into an exquisite harmony, earning high marks on the Oricon charts and winning a planning award.
The song also secured a spot on NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen, gaining nationwide recognition.
It’s a perfect track to accompany winter travels in Hokkaido or to savor memories of parting and reunion with someone dear.
Listened to in the season of departures, it becomes a masterpiece that resonates deeply in the heart.
Ishikari ElegyKitahara Mirei
The enka singer Mirei Kitahara’s “Ishikari Banka” is her eighth single, released in 1975.
Created in collaboration with the renowned lyricist Rei Nakanishi, the song is based on his own experiences and is set against the backdrop of herring fishing in Ishikari Bay in northwestern Hokkaido.
Nakanishi’s feelings at the time are reflected in the delicate emotions of a woman who stands by a man dreaming of striking it rich through the herring catch.
This song, which expresses poignant sorrow and helplessness, is now carried on and performed by many enka singers.