![[Songs of Kanagawa] A showcase of classic masterpieces that sing of port-town scenes and the feelings of its people!](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/8jENuxn459o/sddefault.jpg)
[Songs of Kanagawa] A showcase of classic masterpieces that sing of port-town scenes and the feelings of its people!
Yokohama, Yokosuka, Shonan, Hakone—Kanagawa is dotted with breathtaking landscapes where mountains and sea intertwine, along with countless sightseeing spots.
Many renowned artists have created classic songs that capture its scenery, culture, and the lives of its people.
In this article, we’re highlighting Japanese songs connected to Kanagawa! From local tunes beloved by residents to blockbuster hits adored across generations, we’ll introduce a wide range.
Enjoy these exquisite masterpieces filled with all kinds of feelings for Kanagawa.
[Songs of Kanagawa] A roundup of classic hits that capture the port town’s scenery and people’s emotions (1–10)
Harbor Town No. 13Misora Hibari
The hometown of Hibari Misora, known as the “Queen of the Kayō World,” is Yokohama City in Kanagawa Prefecture.
This song sings about Yokohama City and the neighboring Kawasaki City.
It topped Columbia’s annual chart.
A monument inscribed with the song’s lyrics stands at Minatomachi Station.
New LightNEW!Kanagawa-ken
Enacted in April 1950 during the postwar reconstruction period, this prefectural residents’ song has long been cherished as a symbol of Kanagawa Prefecture.
Notable for its lyrics that entrust hopes to a new era and evoke the region’s rich natural environment of sea and mountains, the piece also captivates with its dignified melody composed by Nobuo Iida.
As for recordings, in addition to an SP disc by Noriaki Fujii and Ryoko Fujiwara, a cover version by Koichi Miura and Hamako Watanabe was produced in 1966.
It can be described as a song imbued with the history of the homeland and the sentiments of its residents.
YOKOHAMA bluesSEKAI NO OWARI
A stylish, bittersweet city pop track that blends seamlessly into the nightscape of Yokohama.
Opening SEKA NO OWARI’s acclaimed 2019 album “Lip,” this song gained attention as the theme for an AbemaTV dating reality show and later inspired a short drama.
It paints a nostalgic scene where a passing whiff of perfume carried by a sea breeze brings back memories of a love that has ended.
The sophisticated sound woven by a variety of instruments matches beautifully with the heart-wrenching lyrics.
Why not listen to it on a night when you want to get a little sentimental, picturing the scenery of a port town?
Yokohama LilyPorunogurafiti
“Yokohama Lily” is one of the songs included on Porno Graffitti’s original 2006 album “m-CABI.” Set in Yokohama, it tells the story of a man and a woman.
The use of the sitar, a traditional instrument originating in India, also leaves a strong impression.
yokohamaB’z
It’s a song included on B’z’s 45th single, “BURN -Fumetsu no Face-,” and as the title suggests, it’s about Yokohama.
Before the official release, it was apparently aired in advance on FM Yokohama.
Incidentally, B’z’s vocalist, Koshi Inaba, is a graduate of Yokohama National University.
NATSUMONOGATARIyuzu
A song produced as an after-story set 17 years after the classic “Sakuragicho,” which captured the hearts of many in 2004.
Against the backdrop of scenery such as Sakuragicho and the Bay Bridge, a reflective, sentimental look back on a past love is sung over emotional harmonies.
The track is also included on the album “PEOPLE” and was released on June 2, the same date as the original.
The music video drew major attention as Satomi Ishihara made her first appearance in 17 years.
Although there is no official tie-in, you can feel Yuzu’s love for Yokohama.
Sakuragichōyuzu
It’s a bittersweet yet beautiful ballad that vividly conjures the harbor-town scenery of Sakuragicho in Yokohama.
As the protagonist looks back on the irreplaceable days spent with a lover and tries to accept the reality that they can no longer meet, their heart-wrenching feelings come through.
Released as a single in June 2004, the song is also included on the acclaimed album “1 ~ONE~.” The music video featuring actress Satomi Ishihara further deepens the song’s world.
When you visit a place filled with memories of someone dear, this song will gently accompany the sentimental feelings that well up in your heart.