[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.
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Hometown Songs: A Curated Selection of Popular Japanese Tracks That Fill Your Heart with Nostalgia (21–30)
Country SongYamashita Ayumu
This is a warm, nostalgic song that deeply resonates with people living away from their hometowns.
Ayumu Yamashita’s gentle voice vividly evokes rural scenery and the warmth of its people.
Since its release in July 2015, it has generated significant buzz on social media, surpassing 2 million views on Facebook and being retweeted over 80,000 times on Twitter.
The lyrics, themed around relatable “country life” moments, have drawn widespread empathy, bringing both laughter and tears.
This work can truly be called a song that becomes a spiritual hometown, soothing the hearts of those who miss where they came from amid their busy days.
ROOTSMEGARYU
MEGARYU is a reggae duo that gained popularity for lyrics with powerful, uplifting messages.
Their first single “ROOTS,” also included on their third full album Jet Stream, is a comfortable track where a gentle melody rides on an off-beat rhythm, contrasted with soulful rap.
The lyrics, which portray an unchanging love for one’s hometown even as time passes, may remind you of the precious place we tend to forget in our busy days.
True to its title, it’s a heartwarming number that lets you face your roots.
[Songs of Hometown] A Curated Selection of Popular Japanese Tracks That Fill Your Heart with Nostalgia (31–40)
Northern SpringSen Masao
Kitaguni no Haru (Spring in the Northern Country) is a lovely song whose lyrics depict a man living in the city receiving a package from his hometown and reminiscing about his family and an old romance.
Released in 1977 by enka singer Masao Sen, its nostalgic atmosphere drew attention and ultimately led to a massive hit, selling over three million copies.
The lyrics feature the protagonist opening his heart as he yearns for the northern region, and people from Tohoku in particular may find it especially relatable.
Incidentally, the song’s success earned Masao Sen a spot in the 28th NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen.
Nostalgic JonkaraHosokawa Takashi
Takashi Hosokawa’s “Bokyō Jongara” is striking for its powerful Tsugaru shamisen sound.
Released in 1985 as Hosokawa’s 27th single, the lyrics, which express the feelings of a protagonist whose hometown is in the Tsugaru region, really resonate.
It’s also a song where you can fully enjoy Hosokawa’s high-toned, captivating vocals.
He performed it five times on the year-end NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen, and even closed the show in its 46th edition in 1995.
It’s a familiar piece for people from Aomori Prefecture, so why not listen to it while thinking of your hometown?
To my hometownYashiro Aki
Aki Yashiro’s enka song “To My Hometown…” is a heartrending piece about the inner struggle of recalling a hometown’s sorrowful past.
The lyrics, which express the idea of “finding the strength to live by holding onto the hope of returning home, even in hard times,” will likely resonate with those working hard in the city while dreaming of someday going back.
In particular, the song is written from a woman’s perspective, so I especially recommend it to female listeners.
Yashiro’s sorrowful yet somehow gentle voice may just move you to tears.
I’ll walk home.Saitō Kazuyoshi
This is a single released by Kazuyoshi Saito in June 1994, which reached No.
60 on the Oricon weekly chart.
Since it was played on Ponkikkies, I think it’s fairly well known.
It’s a rock number that’s very characteristic of Saito, but it’s the kind of song that makes you feel nostalgic—something you’d want to listen to in the car on the road back to your rural hometown.
HOMEShimizu Shota
Shota Shimizu’s “HOME” is a song about the inner conflict of not being able to return to your hometown.
While it looks back on local memories, the lyrics suggest quietly tucking them away in your heart—something many people who can’t easily go back home will likely relate to.
Whether it’s being too busy with work to return, not being emotionally ready to face family, or having various circumstances that keep you away, listening to this song feels like it speaks on your behalf and naturally puts you at ease.