[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)
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.
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.
Distant StarShimokawa Mikuni
A song that deeply resonates with longing for one’s hometown, captured by Mikuni Shimokawa—who hails from Shinhidaka, Hidaka District in Hokkaido—on her November 2004 album, “Kimi no Uta.” Carried by gentle acoustic guitar and piano, this beautiful ballad tenderly paints scenes of the northern land, like the flow of the Shizunai River and fields of corn.
Her calm yet powerful vocals quietly convey parting with the past and a resolve to start anew, stirring the listener’s heart.
The album “Kimi no Uta,” which includes this track, is highly acclaimed as a masterpiece that showcases the depth of her musicality.
It’s a song to be heard on a quiet, nostalgic night, as you reflect on the indelible memories of your hometown.
Sapporo ElegyTakeshima Hiroshi
Set in the northern city of Sapporo, this melancholic mood kayō ballad—richly portraying a heartrending love story—was released as a single by Hiroshi Takeshima in October 2004.
It beautifully overlays the solemn atmosphere of Sapporo’s streets with the emotions of a man pursuing the lingering traces of a past romance.
With lyrics by Kyosuke Kuni and composition by Hiroyuki Nakagawa, its exquisite melody is deeply moving.
Peaking at No.
44 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart, the song captured the hearts of many enka fans and remains a popular work that represents the early phase of Takeshima’s career.
Evoking the clear, wintry air of Sapporo and weaving delicate vocals with poignant longing, this track is especially recommended for snowy seasons or quiet nights spent thinking of someone dear.
Ballad of the Rainbow and SnowTo wa e mo wa
This is the theme song of the 1972 Sapporo Winter Olympics.
Its friendly, catchy tune has continued to be sung among the people of Hokkaido even after the Games ended.
Bunichiro Kawamura, who wrote the lyrics, was a poet, but since he wasn’t used to writing song lyrics, he reportedly revised them many times before completing the piece.
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.
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!