[Hyogo Songs] A Collection of Local and Love Songs Set in Hyogo
What comes to mind when you hear “Hyogo”? For many, it’s likely a stream of charming images: stylish cityscapes, delicious cuisine, renowned hot spring resorts, rich arts and culture, and more.
In this article, we’ve gathered songs set in Hyogo Prefecture.
From enka that sings of bittersweet romances, to local tunes beloved by residents, to pieces that supported post-earthquake recovery—enjoy to your heart’s content these “Songs of Hyogo,” performed by artists from Hyogo and musicians who love the region!
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[Hyogo Songs] A Collection of Local and Love Songs Set in Hyogo (11–20)
Kinosaki Love SongHosokawa Takashi
This is a signature ballad by Takashi Hosokawa, marking the milestone of his 30th anniversary as a singer.
Set in Kinosaki Onsen, a famed hot spring in Hyogo Prefecture, it poignantly sings of memories of a lost love fading beyond the steam.
Local words like “straw craft” intertwine with the protagonist’s helpless emotions, gently soaking into the listener’s heart.
Released in January 2005, the song also served as the title track of that year’s album, “Takashi Hosokawa Complete Collection: Kinosaki Koi-uta (Love Song).” A monument to the song stands at the site itself, and it is cherished as a classic that stirs the spirit of travel.
Even if we part… KobeHama Hiroya
Set on the mist-shrouded Port of Kobe at night, this moving song portrays a painful farewell to a loved one.
Performed by Hiroya Hama, a specialist in mood kayō, it was released as a single in July 2003 and marked his first work after changing record labels.
The piece traces its roots to a song by the chorus group Tokyo Monarda.
The protagonist’s helpless sorrow—choosing to part precisely because he loves—comes through poignantly in Hama’s voice, which blends urban allure with crystalline clarity.
For anyone who carries the memory of an unforgettable love, this song will gently stay by your side.
Tower Side MemoryMatsutōya Yumi
“Tower Side Memory” is a track included on Yumi Matsutoya’s 1981 album “Shall We Meet Tonight?” The “tower” refers to the Kobe Port Tower, and the lyrics also mention the Portopia Expo held in Kobe in 1981, the year the album was released.
It’s said that whenever Matsutoya performs in Kobe, this song is almost always part of the set.
Just a little more… a bit more…ZARD
A single by ZARD released in September 1993.
This song, which portrays a forbidden love, features “Kobe” in its lyrics.
You can picture a woman in the city of Kobe pouring her overflowing love into a letter—a heartbreaking love song that tightens the chest.
I love you, Kobe.Gojō Tetsuya
A moody kayō ballad steeped in melancholy that coolly colors the nights of the port city Kobe.
Tetsuya Gojō, renowned for his “women’s songs,” takes a turn here, belting out the love-struck heart of a suave, world-weary man.
Released in January 2024 as the second installment of his Kansai series, this is his 12th single.
In pursuit of a cool, mature edge, the recording was reportedly redone twice—an attention to detail that showcases Gojō’s signature expressive power.
Put it on when you want to bask in memories of Kobe or quietly sip a drink at a bar, and you’ll likely find yourself immersed in its world.