[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.
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- [Songs of Kagoshima] The heart of our hometown carried on in song | A curated selection of classic tracks that embody Kagoshima
[Local Songs] Recommended Masterpieces and Hometown-Love-Filled Tracks from Across Japan (141–150)
Kagoshima City Residents’ SongNakata Yoshinao
A song of civic pride where the region’s beautiful nature harmonizes with respect for our predecessors.
Yoshinao Nakata’s familiar melody superbly captures the majestic scenery of Sakurajima and Kinko Bay.
Established in June 1972 to commemorate the 27th National Sports Festival, this work sets a poem by Toshio Takagi—selected from 534 public submissions—to music by Nakata, known for pieces such as “Chiisai Aki Mitsuketa” (“I Found a Little Autumn”).
The song remains woven into daily civic life today, played at the start of the workday at city hall and over the noon disaster-prevention broadcast system.
Why not listen while picturing the landscapes of Kagoshima?
Wonderful FukushimaSakushi: Reiwa Ichirou / Sakkyoku: Koseki Yuji
This heartwarming local song pairs a melody by Yuji Koseki, a composer from Fukushima City, with modern lyrics.
The words, woven with landmarks such as the Abukuma River, Iizaka Onsen, and the Azuma mountain range, express a deep love for the homeland.
Released in 2021, the song emerged amid renewed attention following the NHK morning drama “Yell,” in which the Koseki couple served as models.
It is a hometown anthem filled with affection, meant for Fukushima residents working toward recovery from the earthquake disaster, people from Fukushima living far away, and anyone who wants to experience the beauty and charm of Fukushima.
With AllLyrics: Masaki Sawauchi · Yumiko Omori / Composition: Mao Yoshida
This is a heartwarming support song from Iwate, imbued with prayers for recovery after the earthquake.
Set to a refreshing melody, it’s a memorable piece that brings feelings of hope and unity to the fore.
First unveiled as the theme song for a disaster recovery charity concert held in Morioka, Iwate Prefecture in November 2016, the song is performed by the “Morioka Kurukoi Family,” featuring members of the local band quad.
In 2020, a newly recorded version was produced as an encouraging message to those facing hardships during the pandemic.
It’s the perfect track for times when you want to feel that warm bond that keeps our hearts together, even when we’re apart.
Bound by fateHajime Chitose
A supreme song infused with the soul of Amami Ōshima.
Chitose Hajime, a native of Amami, weaves tenderly with her clear, transparent voice the love for her homeland and the preciousness of the bonds that shape our lives.
Its haunting melody—where distinctive folk inflections blend with modern arrangement—will carry listeners to the beautiful landscapes of Kagoshima.
Released digitally in February 2022, the piece was chosen as the theme song for the PR movie “Life, Laid Bare: Amami Ōshima,” commemorating the island’s inscription as a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site.
A heartwarming gem of a ballad, recommended for anyone wishing to feel the ties that connect us to those we hold dear.
Come on over! Kita-HiroKitahiroshima-chō Imēji Kyarakutā Hanada Maitre ō Kōshiki Tēma Songu
The official theme song packed with the charms of Kitahiroshima Town features a bright, lively melody that celebrates the town’s seasonal nature and traditional culture.
The song makes the character Butako Hanada more approachable and weaves in local traditions such as the Mibu Rice-Planting Festival and Kagura dance.
After its release in 2016, Butako Hanada placed 73rd in the 2017 national Yuru-chara Grand Prix, helping raise the region’s profile.
It’s a recommended track for anyone who wants to discover the appeal of Kitahiroshima Town or feel the warmth of Japan’s countryside.
Hiroshima DriveOkuda Tamio
A vividly painted piece brimming with Hiroshima flavor that brings hometown scenery to life.
The lyrics overflow with Tamio Okuda’s love for his hometown, featuring one iconic Hiroshima spot after another, such as Mazda Stadium and the Hacchobori intersection.
Released digitally in October 2018, this track was created as a Hiroshima-dialect parody version of “Tokyo Drive,” with fellow Unicorn members from the same hometown joining in with rhythmic call-and-response.
The blend of the local dialect and a warm melody stirs a deep sense of nostalgia, making it a treasured song that offers comfort—not only to those from Hiroshima, but to anyone living away from their hometown.
Kagoshima Prefectural AnthemYamada Kōsaku
This is the official prefectural anthem by Kósçak Yamada, singing of the proud spirit of Satsuma with majestic Sakurajima as its backdrop.
Its solemn yet familiar melody beautifully captures Kagoshima’s nature, history, and culture.
Widely cherished at school events and official ceremonies throughout Kagoshima Prefecture, it has become a symbol of regional identity.
The hometown pride conveyed in the lyrics and the powerful melody resonate deeply with Kagoshima natives living away from home, stirring their feelings for their beloved birthplace.