[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 that sing of Hokkaido: The enduring heart of our homeland (21–30)
freezing pointTamaki Kōji
Hailing from Asahikawa, Hokkaido, Koji Tamaki—active both as the vocalist of Anzen Chitai and as a solo artist—released his third single, “Hyoten,” in 1989.
The song was used as the theme for the TV drama adaptation of Ayako Miura’s novel Hyoten.
Its quiet melody, like droplets falling from icicles, matches the scenery of the Foreign Tree Species Forest in Asahikawa, the story’s setting, and its simple yet profound lyrics capture the novel’s worldview.
It’s a perfect song for Hokkaido’s piercing, biting cold.
Radiant with Light (March)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.
Hakodate Main LineYamakawa Yutaka
Set against the Ishikari Plain of Hokkaido, Yutaka Yamakawa’s debut song vividly portrays parting and travel-worn sentiment, captivating listeners with a moving melody that fuses elements of enka and kayōkyoku.
From a quietly flowing introduction to a steadily rising climax, the arrangement beautifully conveys both the grandeur of Japan’s northern lands and the ache of a bittersweet love.
Released in February 1981, the song reached No.
41 on the Oricon Weekly Chart and led to Yamakawa receiving the New Artist Award at the 23rd Japan Record Awards.
Celebrated as a timeless classic, it was performed again at the 54th NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen in 2003, allowing many to relive its emotional impact.
Interweaving Hokkaido’s evocative scenery with a tale of heartbreak, this work—paired with a soul-stirring vocal—is a recommended choice for karaoke when you want to share memories.
Tsugaru Strait – Winter SceneIshikawa Sayuri
Sayuri Ishikawa’s enka masterpiece “Tsugaru Strait – Winter Scene.” Released in 1977 as her 15th single, it won prestigious music awards including the Vocal Performance Award at the 19th Japan Record Awards and the Grand Prix/Best Vocal Performance at the 6th FNS Music Festival.
The Tsugaru Strait lies between the southern tip of Hokkaido and Aomori Prefecture, connecting the Sea of Japan and the Pacific Ocean.
This song lyrically overlays the harsh winter scenery of the Tsugaru Strait with the image of crossing the strait to Hokkaido.
Immerse yourself in it with a longing for the northern lands.
setting sunyoshida takurou
The song “Ochiba” (Fallen Leaves), created with lyricist Osami Okamoto, was released by folk singer Takuro Yoshida in 1989.
The lyrics depict the scene of an elderly man, who spends his days immersed in dice gambling—a man Okamoto met while wandering around Hokkaido—seeing Okamoto off as he boards a ferry from Tomakomai Port to Sendai Port.
Fans strongly embrace the sharp worldview that overlays the old man’s way of life with Okamoto’s own wandering.
It’s a track you’ll want to play as background music while casually traveling around Hokkaido.
Cape SoyaDa Kāpo
Soya Cape, sung by the mixed-gender folk duo Da Capo.
The original song was released in 1972 by Mari Kuroki.
Cape Soya is the northernmost cape in Wakkanai City, located in northern Hokkaido.
This anthem brims with local pride, weaving into its lyrics scenes of the drift ice once visible from Cape Soya and the beauty of “flower makeup.” When you travel to Wakkanai, a place where unique culture still remains, try looking for the music monument at Cape Soya engraved with the lyrics of Soya Cape!
The City of Love, SapporoIshihara Yūjirō
The work “Koi no Machi Sapporo” by Yujiro Ishihara, a star who symbolizes the Showa era.
It was released in 1972 to help build excitement for the Sapporo Olympics held the same year.
From the very first lines, the cityscape of Sapporo spreads out before you, with the Clock Tower at its heart.
The wistful mood of the melody adds depth to the song, making it a perfect track to listen to at night.
At the Sapporo Hitsujigaoka Observation Hill in Sapporo, there’s a monument inscribed with lyrics from “Koi no Machi Sapporo” standing slightly in front of the famous statue of Dr.
Clark—don’t forget to take a commemorative photo there!