[Hometown Songs] A curated selection of popular Japanese tracks that fill your heart with nostalgia

hometownONE☆DRAFT

ONE☆DRAFT “Furusato”

Filled with nostalgia and gratitude, this song was released in March 2007 as ONE☆DRAFT’s debut single.

Its melodious sound gently wraps feelings of love for family and hometown, leaving a warm afterglow in the listener’s heart.

The track was also selected as the ending theme for the film “Kitokito!”, blending beautifully with the movie’s world.

The lyrics, where fond memories intersect with hope for the future, resonate with those who think of family and friends living far away.

Its achievement of reaching No.

1 on USEN’s overall chart is proof of the widespread empathy it inspired.

When you feel like expressing your appreciation to someone important, why not give this song a listen?

Hometown of TearsBUMP OF CHICKEN

BUMP OF CHICKEN “Hometown of Tears”

A gem of a song by BUMP OF CHICKEN, distinguished by a melody that seeps into the heart and lyrics rich with deep emotion.

It delicately portrays the subtle feelings of someone who has left their hometown, stirring a poignant mix of nostalgia and longing.

Released in November 2006, it reached number one on the Oricon weekly chart.

It was also featured in a Lotte Airs commercial, moving many listeners.

Listen to it when you’re reminded of your hometown or thinking of someone dear—you’ll surely feel your heart warm.

A memorable masterpiece that showcases BUMP OF CHICKEN’s delicate sensibilities.

Letterback number

back number – “Letter” Music Video

“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.

JourneyFuji Kaze

Fujii Kaze – Tabiji (Official Video)

This song features a warm melody steeped in nostalgia and longing for one’s hometown, gently resonating in the heart.

Created by Kaze Fujii, a native of Satosho, Okayama Prefecture, it was released in March 2021 as the theme song for TV Asahi’s Thursday drama “Nijiiro Karte.” The lyrics, simple yet profound, liken life to a journey, tenderly singing of childhood memories, bonds with friends who learned and grew together, and the quiet strength to face the future.

Its soulful arrangement and softly resonant piano blend beautifully with the nostalgic visuals filmed at his alma mater and around his hometown, and the track is also included on the album “LOVE ALL SERVE ALL.” It’s a recommended song for those living away from home or anyone who wants to bask in cherished memories with loved ones.

Song of ParentsGReeeeN

GReeeeN / Father-Mother Song

This is a heartwarming song that gently portrays a parent-child relationship as it evolves—from childhood memories, through a rebellious phase, to a deep sense of gratitude today.

Released by GReeeeN in June 2009 on the album “Shio, Kosho” (“Salt, Pepper”), the song reflects on memories with one’s parents and expresses the honest feelings one wishes to convey now as an adult.

Centered on themes of familial bonds and gratitude, its simple lyrics and warm melody evoke a sense of hometown nostalgia.

It’s a recommended track for those who want to express their appreciation to their parents anew, or for those living away from their hometown.

hometownNHK jidō gasshōdan

Hometown · Song - NHK Children’s Choir (Music & Scenery)

When it comes to children’s songs so famous that everyone knows them—even featured in music textbooks—“Furusato” stands out.

Its lyrics, which yearn for the hometown landscapes of childhood, really resonate with the heart.

For a long time the lyricist and composer were unknown, but in the late 1960s it was established that the lyrics were by Tatsuyuki Takano and the music by Teiichi Okano.

The melody is simple yet somehow nostalgic, and it’s loved by many.

It has been covered by numerous artists, including ATSUSHI from EXILE and Hiroko Yakushimaru, and was performed by Anri at the closing ceremony of the 1998 Nagano Winter Olympics.

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Hamada Takuya

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Until we meet againHirai Dai

Until we meet again

This is a soothing song that offers comfort to those who have left their hometowns.

Created by Dai Hirai in February 2015, it begins with memories of a nostalgic tree-lined road and delicately portrays changing emotions alongside the shifting seasons.

The gentle vocals and acoustic tones blend beautifully, letting the sorrow of parting and the hope of reunion resonate deeply.

Included on the album “Slow & Easy,” the piece weaves a unique world that fuses surf music with balladry.

It’s a warm, embracing track that speaks to anyone who has experienced departures or farewells, or who carries feelings for someone close to their heart.