[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 from across Japan: beloved classics and hometown-pride picks (151–160)
A Melancholy Road on the Shimokita PeninsulaMatsubara Nobue
A masterful performance by Nobue Matsubara, who gives voice to a soul-stirring poem passed down in the land of Mutsu.
Interweaving imagery of the harsh northern sea winds, lighthouses, and Kandachime horses, it beautifully conveys both aching longing and steadfast resolve.
Released in January 2025, this gem of an enka song was crafted by lyricist Shinichi Ishihara and composer Tetsuya Gen.
It’s a piece that resonates deeply with those who have faced partings in life or wish to confront their own feelings.
Celebrating her 45th debut anniversary, Nobue Matsubara’s voice delivers profound emotion alongside the spirit of the Shimokita Peninsula.
hometownshouka
Blue mountains, pure waters, and memories of childhood play.
The gentle melody that wraps these scenes of a beloved hometown, along with feelings for family and friends living far away, holds a universal appeal that resonates with everyone.
First published in 1914 as a Ministry of Education school song, this piece was created by Tatsuyuki Takano and Teiichi Okano, vividly reflecting the rural landscapes and lifestyles of Japan at the time.
It was sung at the closing ceremony of the 1998 Nagano Winter Olympics, moving countless people.
Its simple, memorable melody in G major and triple meter continues to be sung at life’s milestones, such as graduation and coming-of-age ceremonies.
With lyrics and melody that evoke nostalgia, it is truly a song that stands by all who live away from their hometowns—a work that can be said to symbolize the heart of Japan.
For some reason, Saitama.saitamanzou
When I first heard it, I burst out laughing.
The amateurish vocals feel relatable.
At first it struck me as a joke.
But within the simple lyrics, I feel it’s a song overflowing with love for Saitama.
It’s a song that looks squarely at everything about Saitama.
The bittersweet lyrics make you want people across Japan to take an interest.
Wonderful.
Tokyo WomanZa • Pīnattsu
So it was a song by Kenji Sawada.
The melody puts you in a romantic mood.
Various major spots in Tokyo pop up here and there, which is fun too.
The light, breezy feel is very Peanuts-like and works well.
It also reminds me how wonderful the harmonies are.
I think the unforced singing style is nice as well.
Cape ErimoShimakura Chiyoko
Although it’s quite a different world from Shinichi Mori’s song of the same title, I think this piece makes beautiful use of the high notes.
You can feel the chill of the cape.
The consistently pure feeling comes through in the voice, which I found appealing.
I’ve heard there’s even a monument inscribed with the lyrics at the cape.
It shows how beloved this song is.
Tokyo Boogie-WoogieKasaogi Shizuko
Alongside songs like “Blue Mountain Range” and “The Apple Song,” “Tokyo Boogie-Woogie” is often cited as a tune that energized postwar Japan.
It was performed by Shizuko Kasagi, who took the nation by storm as the “Queen of Boogie.” An NHK morning drama series modeled after her, “Boogie Woogie,” has also been greenlit! The song is sure to be back in the spotlight.
Many seniors must have drawn energy and courage from it, too.
Why not sway to its distinctive melody and sing it with a liberating feeling?
[Local Songs] Must-Listen Tracks from Across Japan Filled with Beloved Classics and Hometown Pride (161–170)
Isezakicho BluesAoe Mina
I’ve heard that Ms.
Aoe had a boyish personality, but I think she did a wonderful job singing a very sultry song—the kind you almost feel you shouldn’t be listening to.
Her husky voice made me want to hear her tackle authentic blues as well.
It feels like a waste that she was only a pop singer; if she were still with us today, I wonder what kinds of songs she would be singing.