Lovely nursery rhymes, folk songs, and children's songs

Songs of Iwate: The Heart of Our Hometown Passed Down in Song | A Collection of Classics to Enjoy While Thinking of Iwate

Accompanist / Piano Instructoryuri
Accompanist pianist × piano instructor × web writer. I began piano lessons at age four and, inspired by my piano teacher, decided to pursue music. I went on to specialized music programs in high school and university, where I discovered the appeal of accompanying instrumentalists and singers. Currently, alongside teaching piano, I work mainly in my home region of Aichi as an accompanist for flute, voice, choir, and more. Through lessons, my students often introduce me to trending songs, and my hobby is trying anything on the piano—Japanese and Western pop, commercial jingles, and beyond. Since 2021, I’ve also been active as a web writer, covering music and a variety of other genres.

With melodies that resonate in the heart, Iwate’s beautiful scenery unfolds before your eyes…

The culture rooted in this land and the lives of its people have become countless beloved songs that are still sung today.

The timeless history of the World Heritage site Hiraizumi, the mystical folklore of Tono, and the warm feelings of the people who live in the region.

The stories woven into each song are like a single painting capturing Iwate’s landscapes through the changing seasons.

In this article, we introduce gems of classic songs brimming with love for Iwate.

Why not let these songs stir your thoughts toward Iwate?

[Songs of Iwate] The Heart of Our Hometown Passed Down in Song | A Collection of Classics to Listen to While Thinking of Iwate (41–50)

A lone pineSen Masao

One Pine Tree Masao Sen (2011) Full Chorus

A lone pineSen Masao

Rikuzentakata City in Iwate Prefecture was once a scenic spot thick with about 70,000 pine trees, designated as part of the Rikuchu Coast Park and selected as one of the One Hundred Views of Japan.

However, the great tsunami of March 11 destroyed almost all of the pines, and miraculously, a single tree remained standing.

It became a symbol of hope not only for the disaster area but for the entire country.

Although the pine ultimately died because its roots rotted, it has been preserved as a monument.

Composer Toru Funamura, who wished to leave this as a song, personally asked Masao Sen to sing it.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

In conclusion

I introduced songs themed around Iwate.

These works capture the charm of Iwate—hometo Kenji Miyazawa and Takuboku Ishikawa—and its rich nature and history, from the Konjikidō at Chūson-ji Temple to the Sanriku Coast.

Please experience the world of Iwate, where the abundant seasons and warm-hearted spirit of its people live on, together with the music.