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[Local Songs] Recommended tracks packed with Japan’s nationwide classics and hometown pride
Across Japan, there are many “local songs” created around themes like regional climate and traditions, long-standing customs, hometown pride, and specialty foods.
However, few people are likely familiar with songs from places far from their own living area or hometown.
Some might even have spent years in a region without knowing its local songs at all.
In this article, we’ll introduce some highly impactful, must-hear local songs from across Japan that we hope many of you will get to know.
If it’s a place you’ve visited, try listening while picturing the local scenery.
If it’s somewhere you’ve never been, let the song help you imagine the land and the lives of the people who live there.
[Local Songs] Must-listen tracks packed with hometown pride from across Japan (1–10)
Kanda Riverkaguya hime
A masterpiece that weaves together the bittersweetness of youth and the urban landscape, this song is a landmark in the history of Japanese folk music.
As one of Kaguya-hime’s signature works, it was released in September 1973 and reached No.
1 on the Oricon weekly chart, selling over 1.6 million copies.
The lyrics, which portray the pure love of a young couple and their poor yet happy days, resonated deeply with many listeners.
Reflecting the social climate of the time and the feelings of young people, it garnered empathy for its depiction of lives sustained by love.
It’s a must-listen not only for folk music fans but also for anyone nostalgic for their youthful days.
Watarase BridgeMoritaka Chisato
A signature song by Chisato Moritaka, noted for its evocative imagery that interweaves nostalgia and wistfulness.
Released in January 1993, the track is set on a real bridge in Ashikaga City, Tochigi Prefecture, and expresses lingering feelings for a former lover.
The lyrics, richly reflecting the scenery and everyday life of a regional city, resonated with many and became a major hit.
The artist received a letter of appreciation from the local community, a monument to the song was erected, and it became deeply rooted in the region’s culture.
Conveying a strong affection for one’s hometown and places of memory, this is a song we especially recommend to those who love their local roots or who have experienced parting from someone dear.
Islanders’ TreasureBEGIN
A masterpiece packed with the wonders of Okinawa is BEGIN’s “Shimanchu nu Takara” (“Treasure of Island People”).
Released in 2002 as their 23rd single, it was used by NHK Okinawa as the image song commemorating the 30th anniversary of Okinawa’s reversion to Japan.
It’s said that vocalist Eisuke Higa asked a former classmate—now a teacher at their hometown junior high school—to have students write down their feelings for the island, which he then used as inspiration for the lyrics.
The song has been covered by many artists, including Rimi Natsukawa and BENI, so be sure to give it a listen!
Mikuni Stationaiko
This is a gem-like ballad by aiko that weaves local scenery and memories into its lyrics.
Centered on Osaka’s Mikuni Station, it vividly portrays an unchanging townscape and a nostalgic bowling alley while expressing a bittersweet love hidden in everyday life.
Released in February 2005, the song received high marks on the Oricon charts at the time.
Its promotion also left an impression, with around 100 posters displayed inside Mikuni Station and other attention-grabbing efforts.
Filled with affection for the hometown and memories of youth, this song is perfect for times when you feel like visiting a nostalgic place or looking back on memories with someone special.
Blue Light Yokohamaishida ayumi
A nightscape of a harbor town wrapped in blue light, upon which a fleeting love story is projected.
Upon its release in December 1968, the legendary classic became an instant smash hit, achieving an astonishing one million copies sold in just ten days.
The lyrics, inspired by the beautiful night view of Yokohama, masterfully intertwine the city’s scenery with the stirrings of the heart.
The sophisticated composition by Kyohei Tsutsumi went on to have a profound influence on subsequent Japanese popular music.
Why not give it a listen—perfect for a nighttime drive or as a cherished song to share with someone special.
Shiretoko Ryojo (Shiretoko Travel Sentiment)Katō Tokiko
Set on the Shiretoko Peninsula in Hokkaido, this gem of a classic portrays the grandeur of nature and the lives of its people.
Tokiko Kato’s gentle yet powerful voice vividly brings Shiretoko’s landscapes to life.
The use of the Ainu word “pirika” also conveys respect for the region’s culture.
Released in November 1970, it topped the Oricon charts for seven consecutive weeks the following year.
It is also known as her debut song on the 22nd NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen.
Listening to it while traveling will help you savor Shiretoko’s charm even more.
Its lyrics and melody will surely soothe the soul.
When I turn around, it’s YokohamaSakamoto Fuyumi
Furimukeba Yokohama is a song by Marcia, and a cover version was included on Fuyumi Sakamoto’s 2018 album ENKA III: Shin’ka (Commemorating the 80th Anniversary of Komasa Inomata’s Birth).
This masterpiece portrays love, parting, and the resolve to move toward the future through scenes of Yokohama.
Sakamoto’s expressively rich vocals blend beautifully with the lyrics of Furimukeba Yokohama, resonating deeply with listeners.
It’s especially recommended for those who have experienced a bittersweet romance or who stand at a turning point in life.
Through this work, Sakamoto reflects on lost love while giving us the courage to face forward and take the next step.