[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 Classics and Hometown-Proud Favorites from Across Japan (111–120)
Secret FireflyNagai Miyuki
Miyuki Nagai’s “Hibotaru” is set in early-summer Nara, overlaying a fleeting love with fireflies dancing in the dark.
The song moves from a flower-scented daytime scene to a night where fireflies take flight, drawing you into a world that feels like reading a short novel.
A Western-style arrangement that goes beyond traditional enka and the aching timbre of the erhu intertwine exquisitely, evoking the smoldering passion of a secret love.
Nagai’s breathy vocals vividly depict the protagonist burdened with growing feelings, tightening the listener’s heart.
Kumamoto Pride SongPi Bou
This piece, which depicts the rich scenery of Kumamoto with a bright, buoyant melody, invites listeners into a cheerful mood.
The somewhat nostalgic sound of folk song blends exquisitely with lively Latin rhythms, evoking the bustle of a Kumamoto festival.
Released as a CD single in July 2013, it stands as a gem of love for Kumamoto that brightens Pi-bō’s early discography.
After the 2016 Kumamoto earthquakes, it was sometimes performed with hopes for recovery.
Whether as a companion for a trip to Kumamoto or a moment of homesick reflection, listening to it is sure to warm the heart.
Kumamon UmakamonKeroponzu
This lively song by Keropons is packed with the delicious charms of Kumamoto.
The lyrics feature one Kumamoto specialty after another—like banpeiyu grapefruit, horse sashimi, and ikinari dango—filling both the listener’s heart and stomach.
Debuted at the “Kumamon Birthday Festival” in March 2017, it was included on the DVD “Kumamon Music Video Yoka-mon♪ Selection” in April of the same year, and later on the CD “Kumamon 10th ANNIVERSARY CD & PHOTO BOOK ~Happy & Surprise~” in March 2020.
With adorable, easy-to-copy choreography perfect for children, it’s an ideal song for enjoying and exploring Kumamoto’s food culture.
Come on! Kumamon!Keroponzu, Sukanpo, Takashi Deguchi
It’s a song packed tightly with Kumamoto’s energy and kindness, guaranteed to bring a smile just by listening.
While it’s a rhythmic kids’ song, it’s also a J-pop-leaning pop tune that adults can enjoy comfortably.
The repeated catchy phrases and uplifting calls capture Kumamon’s charming traits—his energy, kindness, and deep love for Kumamoto—and convey them straight from the heart.
Created to celebrate the landmark 10th anniversary of Kumamon’s debut, it was also included on the album “Kumamon 10th ANNIVERSARY CD & PHOTO BOOK ~Happy & Surprise~.” It’s the kind of track that makes you want to dance with your kids and fills you with a happy feeling.
Kumamon monMoritaka Chisato
This is a song featuring the vocals of Chisato Moritaka, who hails from Kumamoto, and it has a buoyant charm that lifts the listener’s spirits.
The lyrics, filled with affection for a familiar character, leave a strong impression and convey a warm message that they’re always by our side.
Even amid its humorous word choices, it carries a wish to sow the seeds of hope and happiness for the future together, enveloping you in a gentle kindness that feels like a soft push forward.
Released as a single in September 2013, it was widely loved, reaching as high as No.
13 on the Oricon charts.
Don’t miss the irresistibly catchy lyrics and melody that you’ll find yourself humming along to!
Cape Erimoyoshida takurou
I still feel it fits the lyrics better when performed as folk.
The lyrics are compelling, and I can sense the feelings—and even the lives—of the people who live in this town.
Every word resonates with deep meaning.
There’s a depth that goes beyond off-the-cuff phrasing.
Flying to IstanbulShōno Mayoyo
I was once again made aware of a city that hadn’t left much of an impression on me.
It feels light and I think it’s a stylish song too.
Even a breakup song brings up Istanbul, which felt very fresh at first.
The wordplay makes it feel like a foreign song and that’s interesting.
Mayoyo-san’s crisp, clean impression is nice as well.