[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.
- A roundup of regional enka songs: classic hits that feature places from all across Japan in their lyrics.
- [Song of Osaka] A selection of passionate, warm-hearted Osaka tunes
- [2026] Masterpieces that sing of Hokkaido: the heart of a beloved homeland passed down in song
- Introducing famous songs about Shizuoka: Local anthems and popular tracks [2026]
- [Songs of Saitama] A Wealth of Humor-Filled Classics! Local Anthems Packed with Love for Saitama
- Songs related to Mie Prefecture. Beloved local tunes of Mie that continue to be cherished.
- [Hometown Songs] A curated selection of popular Japanese tracks that fill your heart with nostalgia
- [Kyoto Songs] Masterpieces that sing about Kyoto — songs themed on the ancient capital. The enduring heart of our hometown passed down in song.
- A famous song about Fukuoka. The heart of the hometown passed down through song.
- A classic song that celebrates Niigata. The enduring spirit of our hometown passed down through song.
- Songs about Tokyo: A collection of popular J‑Pop classics [2026]
- Masterpieces that sing of love. Recommended popular songs.
- [Songs of Kagoshima] The heart of our hometown carried on in song | A curated selection of classic tracks that embody Kagoshima
[Local Songs] Must-Listen Tracks Filled with Hometown Pride from Across Japan (71–80)
Ferry to MatsuyamaMurashita Kōzō
It’s a song deeply connected to Ehime, sung by Kozo Murashita—known for classics like “Hatsukoi.” Set on a ferry traveling from Hiroshima to Matsuyama, it paints a heart-wrenching scene of parting.
The beautiful Seto Inland Sea bathed in the evening sun seems only to accentuate the protagonist’s helpless sorrow.
In the wonderful lyrics, woven by Murashita’s tender, wistful voice, one can’t help but feel profound love.
Listening to this bittersweet melody while on a sea voyage would surely etch the scenery of the Seto Inland Sea even more deeply into your heart.
Shimanto Youth StoryReemondo Matsuya
This is a song by singer-songwriter Raymond Matsuya, known as the “Bard of Love.” Set against the majestic Shimanto River, the pride of Kochi, it portrays a mature coming-of-age love story that looks back on a romance from days gone by.
Blending the emotion of enka with the approachable warmth of folk, this kayō-folk piece features gentle acoustic tones that resonate deeply.
The scene of layering faint memories of first love over the shimmering flow of the river is both sweet and achingly bittersweet.
Now that we’re adults, the youthful days that shine alongside the scenery of our hometown feel all the more precious.
Many listeners may find that, when they hear this song, their own “youth story,” carefully tucked away in their hearts, suddenly springs back to life.
Hiroshi’s proud hometown, ze yo!Miyama Hiroshi
This is a song by Hiroshi Miyama, a native of Nankoku City in Kochi Prefecture, packed to the brim with love for his hometown.
As a tourism ambassador, his signature spirit of service shines through, making it a deeply satisfying local anthem.
The lyrics roll out one after another—from famous landmarks like Harimaya Bridge and Hirome Market to regional specialties like first-skipjack bonito and gamecock hot pot—turning the piece into a musical journey through Kochi’s charms.
Sung proudly in his warm “vitamin voice,” declaring “shoeiyo (amazing!),” you can feel his deep affection for where he’s from.
The comfortable enka melody combined with the rustic cadence of the Tosa dialect conjures vivid images of Tosa’s grand nature and the heartfelt warmth of its people.
Typhoon of LoveKatte ni Kankō Kyōkai
A local song for Kochi released in 2004 by Miura Jun and Anzai Hajime’s duo, the Katte ni Kanko Kyokai (Self-Appointed Tourism Association).
It’s a playful number produced in their “Ryokaroku” style—improvised recordings done at inns.
From pounding out ‘katsuo no tataki’ to getting swept up in a ‘typhoon of love’ the moment they spot whales at Cape Muroto, the lyrics comically portray the start of an irresistible romance against the backdrop of Kochi’s famous sights, and just listening fills you with excitement! “Whatever happens, happens!” You can feel the protagonist’s mood in this passionate and humorous track.
It’s the kind of song that makes you want to set off on a trip, as if you can feel the Tosa breeze on your skin.
Shimanto no Yado (Inn of Shimanto)Oka Yuuko
This is a renowned song performed by Yuko Oka, known as the “Singing Map of Japan” for her renditions of local songs from across the country, set against the clear currents of Kochi.
Included on a single released in 2016, the piece portrays a quiet love story unfolding at a hidden inn along the banks of the Shimanto River.
The scene evoked by the line “Resting my cheek on your shoulder / a roofed boat on the Shimanto River” is like a painting.
With the lively Yosakoi Festival as a backdrop, time flows gently for just the two of them.
Oka’s richly expressive, sultry voice perfectly matches the poignancy of their secret love and the serene ambiance of Kochi.
It’s a deeply evocative song, as if the heroine’s fleeting wishes melt into the glittering waters of the pure stream.
Long live old age!Jii-POP from Kōchike ALL STARS
With its innovative lineup and comical vocals, many of you were probably shocked the moment you first heard it.
Released in 2016, it’s the major debut single by Jii-POP from Kochike ALL STARS.
Turning the prefecture’s high elderly population on its head, the lyrics boldly proclaim “Long live the elderly,” which is delightfully refreshing.
Along with the lilt of the Tosa dialect, the song sprinkles in humorous nods to Kochi’s blessings like buntan and bonito, as well as everyday life—such as waking up at 5:30 in the morning.
Dressed in white as they dance, they look like the blue skies and white clouds of Tosa.
Just by listening, you can feel the warmth of Kochi’s people and its culture; it might be the ultimate anthem of support.
Yosakoi enkaKaneda Tatsue
This is a local song in which Tatsue Kaneda—who took the world by storm with “Kagai no Haha”—sings the spirit of Tosa with passionate intensity.
Released in 2022, “Yosakoi Enka” is truly a song for Kochi, blending the driving energy of a festival with the distinctive pathos of enka.
Listen closely to the lyrics and you can almost picture a single-minded man, gazing out over the Pacific Ocean with pride in his hometown swelling in his chest.
Kaneda’s rich, folk-honed vocals align with the protagonist’s spirit and stir the listener’s soul.
Doesn’t it feel like a masterpiece you’ll want to hear again and again, distilling the heat of the Yosakoi Festival and the grandeur of Kochi’s natural beauty?