[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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[Songs of Hometown] A Curated Selection of Popular Japanese Tracks That Fill Your Heart with Nostalgia (31–40)
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.
countrysideTamaki Kōji
Released as a single on July 21, 1996, it was used as the theme song for the Fuji TV drama “Coach,” in which she herself appeared.
It’s an uplifting anthem with a bright tone that encourages people who are struggling and feel they can’t do anything, telling them that just being alive is enough.
When you become afraid of living, listening to this song will surely give you courage.
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.
Come back home.Oku Hanako
This song is filled with kindness and warmth, delivering an encouraging message that resonates deeply.
Okuno Hanako’s clear, translucent vocals and gentle piano tones tenderly embrace tired hearts, offering support to those who are doing their best while singing of the importance of having a place to return to.
With its quiet strength and sense of reassurance, this work has the power to sustain those who feel lonely or anxious.
Released in March 2006, it also drew attention as the JR East “Ekinaka” campaign commercial song.
It is included on the album “Yasashii Hana no Saku Basho,” which also features “Garnet,” the theme song for the film The Girl Who Leapt Through Time.
Loved by many, this track continues to comfort people who feel worn out by work or daily life, and those living far from their hometowns.
[Hometown Songs] A curated selection of popular Japanese tracks that fill your heart with nostalgia (41–50)
Born in that townNishida Toshiyuki
Yasushi Akimoto’s woven lyrics and Toshiyuki Nishida’s warm singing voice overlap to evoke a deep longing for a distant hometown.
Released by King Records in June 2011, about three months after the Great East Japan Earthquake, it is a gem of a ballad issued as the coupling track to “Baton Touch.” Infused with Mr.
Nishida’s feelings for his native Fukushima Prefecture, it was also performed at that year’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen, moving many viewers.
This is a song that supports those living away from home or those who have lost a cherished place.
Let yourself be carried by its gentle melody and warm vocals, and feel the unchanging kindness of your hometown, no matter how far away you are.
KikyogaokaHirai Ken
A warm song that evokes nostalgia and familial love.
Ken Hirai’s gentle vocals portray parents watching over and tenderly embracing their child, richly singing of a child’s growth and the unchanging love of those who care for them.
Released in October 2013 as a digital-only single and used as the tie-in song for the commercial commemorating the 45th anniversary of Misawa Homes, this is a track you’ll want to listen to while reminiscing about your hometown.
Listening to it together as a parent and child may deepen your bond.