[Hometown Songs] A curated selection of popular Japanese tracks that fill your heart with nostalgia
In the midst of hectic days—living alone away from your familiar hometown or spending each day with a new family—you may suddenly recall the nostalgic scenery of the place you grew up.
Even if you want to go back, circumstances may keep you from doing so right away…
In times like these, why not rest your heart by listening to classic songs that sing of home?
In this article, we’ve compiled songs themed around “hometown,” focusing on timeless J-POP classics.
Let yourself be wrapped in nostalgia and enjoy these exquisite masterpieces that may gently bring warm tears to your eyes.
- A classic enka masterpiece about one's hometown. A wonderful song that evokes thoughts of home.
- A nostalgic song—a timeless classic that somehow feels familiar and touches the heart.
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- Japanese sign-language songs; sign-language song(s)
[Hometown Songs] Carefully Selected Popular Japanese Tracks That Fill Your Heart with Nostalgia (1–10)
Country RoadHon’na Yoko
“Country Road,” well known in Japan, is a cover of “Take Me Home, Country Roads,” released in 1971 by American singer-songwriter John Denver.
In particular, the cover by Japanese voice actress and singer Yoko Honna is extremely famous; her clear, soaring voice soothes the weariness of city life.
By the way, the song employs the pentatonic scale, which evokes a folk-like atmosphere, so if you listen with that in mind, you can appreciate it even more deeply.
HOMEAnjura Aki
When you’re living in your hometown you might hate it so much, but once you leave, you start to feel nostalgic and miss it, right? Angela Aki’s “HOME” is the perfect song for that feeling.
Released in 2005 as her major-label debut single, it gradually gained attention after she performed it on NHK’s music program Pop Jam.
It’s a ballad that begins with Angela Aki’s signature powerful piano intro, and it sings of her feelings for the loved ones back in her hometown.
Ryukyu Love SongMONGOL800
Formed in Okinawa in 1998, MONGOL800’s “Ryukyu Aika” is a stirring masterpiece whose lyrics inspire you to cherish your Ryukyu homeland while moving forward.
The song also sings about the sorrow of human conflict, asking what one can do in the midst of it—an attitude that feels undeniably cool.
The arrangement is a straightforward, punk-leaning rock foundation, and its direct performance perfectly matches the lyrics, piercing straight into the heart.
[Hometown Songs] A Curated Selection of Popular Japanese Tracks That Fill Your Heart with Nostalgia (11–20)
hometownFUNKY MONKEY BΛBY’S
FUNKY MONKEY BABYS’ song “Furusato” sings about a hometown always wrapped in gentle, warm memories.
It was released in 2009 as a digital-only single and was later included on their 2010 best-of album “FUNKY MONKEY BABYS BEST.” The song began airing on NHK’s “Minna no Uta” at the time of its release and gained popularity as an anthem supporting young people facing various anxieties.
True to FUNKY MONKEY BABYS’ style, its pop, happy sound fills you with energy when you listen.
Because you are hereUru
It is a gem of a ballad whose heartfelt vocals and warm melody envelop the listener.
Released in March 2020, it was also used as the theme song for the drama “Theseus no Fune” (Ship of Theseus).
The song is included on Uru’s second album, “Orion Blue,” and has captured the hearts of many listeners.
The lyrics gently sing of the happiness found in everyday life and the strength of bonds with loved ones, resonating deeply with those who hear it.
It’s also recommended for moments when you find yourself recalling scenes from your hometown or thinking of family living far away.
I feel like going home.ikimonogakari
A gemlike ballad that tugs at the heart with its poignant emotions.
It gently sings of the loneliness and solitude of youth living away from home, and of their feelings for family and hometown, carried by a tender melody.
Released in April 2008 as Ikimono-gakari’s third major-label single, it was selected as the theme song for the Toho-distributed film “Sand Clock.” Written and composed by Yoshiki Mizuno, the track is marked by Kiyoe Yoshioka’s translucent, memorable vocals.
The music video was filmed at the former Yokohama Bank Annex in Yokohama Island Tower and includes an homage to the film.
It’s the perfect song to wrap you in warmth when you’ve just started living on your own or when you feel the urge to return to your hometown after a long while.
Letterback number
“Thank you so much for always being on my side and protecting me all this time.” This heartwarming song is packed with gratitude toward one’s parents.
Centered on feelings for one’s mother and father, the track is back number’s 13th single, released in August 2015.
It was also used in an NTT Docomo commercial and resonated with many people.
Perhaps many of us have had the experience of leaving home, only then realizing how much our parents cherished us, and regretting the way we behaved before.
Once you recognize the love you received from your parents, it’s your turn to give that love back in full.
Call or message them to say “I’m doing well,” and put their minds at ease.