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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Night in KushiroMikawa Ken’ichi

Kushiro Night ... Kenichi Mikawa

Night in KushiroMikawa Ken'ichi

Released in 1968, this is Kenichi Mikawa’s 11th single.

The setting is Nusamai Bridge in Kushiro City, Hokkaido, spanning the Kushiro River.

Later, a film with the same title was produced, inspired by this song.

It’s a mood-rich piece that showcases Kenichi Mikawa’s wistful, melancholic vocals.

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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 had drawn attention in the United States, into Japanese and set it to music in 2001.

After purchasing a vacation home in Nanae, Hokkaido, Arai is said to have created his translation of “A Thousand Winds” surrounded by the quiet and beautiful nature of the area.

The single character “wind” instantly evokes Hokkaido’s vast landscapes.

The masterpiece became widely loved when Masafumi Akikawa covered it in 2006.

One can’t help but want to spread one’s arms and sing it amid Hokkaido’s magnificent natural scenery.

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Kado(guchi) Shichigatsu

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In conclusion

We introduced popular songs and masterpieces connected to Hokkaido. Perhaps many of you were reminded of your hometown of Hokkaido and had your local pride stirred. Even those without any particular ties to Hokkaido likely felt the vast land and spirit of Hokkaido through the songs featured in this article. We hope you’ll find a song that lets you feel Hokkaido.