[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.
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[Hometown Songs] A curated selection of popular Japanese tracks that fill your heart with nostalgia (41–50)
Our FailureMorita Doji
It was a song included on Morita Dōji’s second album, Mother Sky, released in 1976, which suddenly came into the spotlight when it was used as the theme song for the 1993 drama High School Teacher.
Morita Dōji had retired in 1983, and a decade after her retirement, the song became a major hit.
[Hometown Songs] A Curated Selection of Popular Japanese Tracks That Fill Your Heart with Nostalgia (51–60)
At HomeNakajima Miyuki
This is the B-side track of Miyuki Nakajima’s fifth single, “Wakare Uta.” It captures the feelings of boarding a train to return to one’s hometown.
Covered by many famous artists, it’s a Japanese hometown song that touches the heart and soul.
hometownshouka
Blue mountains, clear waters, and memories of childhood play.
The melody that gently enfolds the nostalgic scenery of one’s hometown and feelings for family and friends far away possesses a universal appeal that resonates with everyone.
First published in 1914 as a Ministry of Education song, this piece was created by Tatsuyuki Takano and Teiichi Okano, richly reflecting the rural landscapes and lives of Japan at the time.
It was sung at the closing ceremony of the 1998 Nagano Winter Olympics, moving many people.
Its simple, memorable melody in G major and triple meter continues to be sung at life’s milestones such as graduation and coming-of-age ceremonies.
With lyrics and melody that evoke homesickness, it is a song that stands by all who live away from their hometowns—truly a work that symbolizes the heart of Japan.
Tokyo HymnBUMP OF CHICKEN
This song is marked by an emotive melody that gently embraces the loneliness and hope of those who move to the big city.
It carefully depicts the feelings of people who, while bewildered by the differences from their hometowns, strive to move forward in pursuit of their dreams.
Even as it faces the harshness of reality, it serves as a warm anthem of support for those taking a new step in the city.
Included as the B-side to the October 2007 single “Hana no Na,” it was released alongside the theme song for the film Always: Sunset on Third Street 2.
The following year, it was also featured on the album present from you.
It’s a song that stays close to those who feel anxious about life in Tokyo or who are living away from home.
With BUMP OF CHICKEN’s signature delicate production and resonant message, it gently supports the hearts of those striving in the city.
Supernova Express 2016GLAY
As the image song for the Hokkaido Shinkansen operated by JR Hokkaido, the rock band GLAY performed “Supernova Express 2016.” Written by guitarist TAKURO to coincide with the 2016 opening, its lyrics convey heartfelt feelings for his hometown of Hokkaido.
It’s a pop-rock tune quintessentially GLAY, featuring grand, fast-paced sounds that evoke the Shinkansen.
The music video, filmed across Hokkaido’s vast landscapes, is also something people from Hokkaido will especially enjoy.
Let me hear your voiceNaka Kousuke
“Koe o Kikasete” is the fourth digital-only single by Takao Nakajima, released in 2022.
Born and raised on Amami Oshima in Kagoshima Prefecture, Nakajima wrote the lyrics while thinking of the island’s people and scenery.
The song was featured as NHK Radio’s Shinyabin Song from June to July 2022 and reportedly received a strong response from many listeners.
In November 2022, a full 14-track album titled “Koe o Kikasete,” which includes the single, was released.
Thank youOno Daisuke
This is a song by Daisuke Ono, who is also active as a voice actor.
A mother who lives far away and is hard to see.
Even so, we hope she’ll always be there, a place we can return to.
Many people will relate to the gentle lyrics that sing about feelings for one’s mother.