Songs of Iwate: The Heart of Our Hometown Passed Down in Song | A Collection of Classics to Enjoy While Thinking of Iwate
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?
- Folk songs, children's songs, and nursery rhymes of Iwate: the heart of the hometown passed down through song
- Songs of Iwate: The Heart of Our Hometown Passed Down in Song | A Collection of Classics to Enjoy While Thinking of Iwate
- Bands, artists, and singers from Iwate Prefecture
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[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)
Nostalgic Hometown TavernNakamura Mitsuko
For those from Iwate—especially men—doesn’t this song really hit home? When I think of people from Tohoku, I can picture them casually drinking by the irori hearth.
As a child, I disliked seeing my father drunk, but now that I’m an adult, I’m the same way, and I hear the songs of my hometown.
It truly is a “nostalgic tavern,” isn’t it?
Kitakami Station of FarewellsInoue Hiroshi
It’s a song released in 1962, set at Kitakami Station in Iwate Prefecture, and in a way it feels like a prologue to Hiromi Ota’s later hit “Cotton Handkerchief.” Hiroshi Inoue was originally a rockabilly singer and was hugely popular among young women.
He had a sweet voice.
Nambu wind chimeNariye Shōhei
Speaking of Iwate, Nanbu senbei and Nanbu ironware are well-known.
Though they are traditional items from ancient times, their excellent heat retention and dignified, weighty presence continue to be loved even today.
Nanbu wind chimes likewise evoke the feeling of summer in Iwate, and their tone truly stands apart.
When the sound of a wind chime is likened to tears, you can understand the feeling of longing for one’s hometown.
Hachimantai Travel SentimentsUrushibara Emiko
Emiko Urushihara, who is active as a folk singer, is from Miyako City in Iwate Prefecture, so it’s no surprise she would be asked to perform.
The lyrics to this refreshing-style song, however, are by the famed Tetsurō Hoshino, who visited Iwate many times to play golf.
The scenery of Hachimantai is etched in his memory, so he was able to write the lyrics quickly.
Although Hachimantai straddles Akita and Iwate Prefectures, in this song it serves as the Iwate-themed motif.
Hanamaki UjōFujimoto Haneyuki
When it comes to hot springs in Iwate Prefecture, the first that comes to mind is Hanamaki Onsen.
You can just picture the rising steam and the inns lined up along the hot spring town.
The original song is by Hiroshi Kadokawa, known as a hidden gem of enka.
Kadokawa is widely praised for his vocal ability, and back in the Showa era there were TV shows where not only comedians but also singers impersonated other singers.
The impressions of Masako Mori and Hiroshi Kadokawa were top-notch.