[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 heart of our hometown passed down in song (31–40)
Night of IomanteItō Hisao
It’s Akira Fuse’s fifth single, released in 1966.
Set at Lake Mashu—the clearest lake in Japan—the song evokes a mystical scene shrouded in fog.
Its success reportedly drew many tourists to Lake Mashu.
It is widely known as a local song of Teshikaga, Kawakami District, Hokkaido.
The Northern LandKitajima Saburō
This song is themed around the grand nature of Hokkaido, the hometown of Saburo Kitajima.
It likens Hokkaido’s gentle yet at times harsh natural world to life itself.
From his powerful vocals, you can deeply feel a resolve—a determination to overcome hardships and keep moving forward.
Otaru no hito yoTsuruoka Masayoshi to Tokyo Romanchika
It’s a song by Masayoshi Tsuruoka and Tokyo Romantica, released in 1967.
Despite being their debut single, it reportedly sold over 1.5 million copies.
It’s also known as a local song of Otaru, Hokkaido.
The guitar’s beautiful intro evokes a sense of melancholy.
Lake FurenYamauchi Keisuke
This song celebrates the beautiful scenery woven by Hokkaido’s nature.
Keisuke Yamauchi’s gentle vocals perfectly capture the mysterious atmosphere of Lake Furen.
The track was produced as the title song of the single “Furenko,” released on August 5, 2020.
It’s said that Yamauchi’s firsthand experience visiting Lake Furen served as a major inspiration for the songwriting.
The piece conveys the importance of stepping away from the noise of everyday life and finding calm in nature.
It’s recommended not only for enka fans but also for anyone who longs for Hokkaido’s majestic landscapes.
When your heart feels weary, listening to it will surely bring a sense of healing.
Cape TachimachiMori Masako
Released in 1982, this is a regional song set at Cape Tachimachi in Hakodate, Hokkaido.
Her vocals convey the strength and emotions of a woman from the north.
With this song, she achieved ten consecutive appearances on NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen.
It’s also a fan favorite.
[2026] Masterpieces that sing of Hokkaido: The enduring heart of our homeland (41–50)
Abashiri PrisonTakakura Ken
Known as a classic set in Hokkaido, this song is memorable for Ken Takakura’s rugged vocals.
Released in 1965 as the theme song for the film “Abashiri Prison,” it created a huge sensation.
The lyrics portray the complex feelings of a man headed to prison, resonating deeply with listeners.
Popular alongside the movie, the song became one of Ken Takakura’s signature works.
In December 2014, it was reissued as a CD single in response to many fans’ requests.
It’s a recommended track for those who want to feel the grandeur of Hokkaido’s nature and the way people live there.
Its soul-stirring vocals and lyrics that conjure vivid images of Hokkaido’s landscapes are especially captivating.
White City SapporoAn Ruisu
This is a song included on the B-side of Ann Lewis’s debut single “Shiroi Shūmatsu,” released in 1971.
Announced the year before the Sapporo Olympics, the song portrays snow falling over the city of Sapporo and conveys the joy of winter.