[Local Songs] Recommended tracks packed with Japan’s nationwide classics and hometown pride

Azusa No. 2karyūdō

Azusa Nigo (2015 Remaster)

It’s a touching song about getting on a train bound for Shinano and trying to shake off a past love.

The harmonies by Kariudo are, as you’d expect from brothers, wonderful.

But it’s actually about heading toward a new love, isn’t it? It might not be the same as being fickle, but it’s a bit surprising.

Hakata MirenNoguchi Goro

Goro Noguchi – Hakata Miren

So it was full-on enka, huh? Since it was called a debut song, she must have been in her teens, skilfully pulling off a slightly mature song.

It made me once again appreciate how remarkable her vocal ability has been up to today.

It seems she hasn’t sung enka since then, but I felt that she excels both in pop and in enka.

Chikuma Ko-utaSakushi: Masaki Fujokyu / Sakkyoku: Nakayama Shinpei

Chikuma Ko-uta

This is an evocative kouta (short traditional song) with lyrics by Fuyokyu Masaki and music by Shimpei Nakayama, born in the hot spring region along the Chikuma River.

Created in the early Showa era to convey the charms of Togura-Kamiyamada Onsen, the piece is a masterpiece that exudes Nakayama’s distinctive “Shimpei-bushi,” imbued with love for his hometown of Nagano.

Its Japanese-style melody, using the yonanuki scale, beautifully expresses the atmosphere of the hot-spring town and the flow of the Chikuma River.

Beloved at local events and in tourism promotions, the song is also presented at the Shimpei Nakayama Memorial Museum along with his achievements.

Through the steam of the baths, nostalgic scenes are sure to come to mind.

Woman of KisoKitajima Saburō

Woman of Kiso

Set against the deep mountain valleys of the Kiso Road, this is one of Saburo Kitajima’s signature entries in his “Woman Series,” expressing complex feelings toward one’s hometown.

Released in October 1973, the song brilliantly fuses Tetsuro Hoshino’s poetic lyrics with Nobuo Shimazu’s wistful melody.

Through Kitajima’s powerful kobushi vocal style, it richly conveys the emotions of a woman living amid Kiso’s harsh natural landscape.

For those who have left their hometown, or who have experienced farewells to important people at life’s turning points, the poignant sentiments woven into this piece will resonate deeply.

Alone on the Shinano RoadHarada Yuuri

Alone on the Shinano Road

This is a song by Yuri Harada, released in January 1997, that sings of longing for one’s hometown through the mindset of a solo journey.

Against the backdrop of Shinshu’s beautiful scenery, it delicately portrays a woman’s loneliness and nostalgia as she traces her travels.

Harada’s richly expressive vocals superbly convey the protagonist’s deep-seated yearning and wistfulness, resonating profoundly with listeners.

The melancholy melody line gives it a classic enka feel that evokes the nature and climate of Shinshu.

It’s a recommended track for those living away from their hometown or for anyone who cherishes solitary moments at life’s turning points.

Woman of the Kiso RoadHarada Yuuri

Kisoji Woman — Showa Song — Yuri Harada

Set against the beautiful Kiso Road, this masterpiece of enka artfully portrays a woman’s poignant longing and lingering love.

Its wistful melody is interwoven with traditional Japanese imagery, while Yuri Harada’s powerful yet delicate vocals resonate deeply.

Released in September 1985, the song sold 180,000 copies and ultimately became a million-seller, helping to establish Harada’s status as an enka singer.

It’s a must-listen for those who have experienced farewells in life, who feel a deep connection to their hometown, or who are moved by Japan’s beautiful landscapes.

Space and NaganoOkazaki Taiiku

Okazaki Taiiku “Space and Nagano” Music Video

This work captures the complex yet affectionate feelings Okazaki Taiiku holds for his hometown.

Released in March 2024 as one of the tracks on the digital-only EP “Suplex,” this song features a melody line that reportedly came together in just about five minutes—so naturally that he himself has called it a “throwaway track.” Through the contrasting motifs of the vastness of space and the nearness of home, it carefully portrays the sense of emotional distance and belonging we experience in everyday life.

It’s a song best savored by those living away from their hometown of Nagano, or anyone who finds themselves wanting to reflect on their roots.