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

The City of Love, SapporoIshihara Yūjirō

Love Town Sapporo · Yujiro Ishihara - YouTube.mp4

I can imagine walking with my lover from the Clock Tower to Odori Park.

It puts me in a romantic mood.

Hearing Yujiro sing a woman’s song, I realized again how well it suits him.

I also think the melody perfectly matches the city of Sapporo.

Dotonbori SentimentTendō Yoshimi

[MV] Yoshimi Tendo / Dotonbori (Tonbori) Ninjō (Full Ver.)

It’s a song so perfect that if Yoshimi-chan doesn’t sing it, who will? It’s steeped in Osaka through and through, and, just like the title says, I felt it was full of human warmth.

Yes, it’s a song that truly carries that spirited attitude.

I think it’s a track that makes it clear why Yoshimi-chan, the most quintessential Osaka girl, is loved by everyone.

Ishin Dancin’ Kagoshima Citykagoshima shi kankou nabi

Ishin Dancin’ Kagoshima City – Special Movie

This is a tourism promotion piece that expresses the charms of Kagoshima City through music and dance.

The first installment was released in January 2018 and drew attention with a unique video featuring the Kagoshima Jitsugyo High School boys’ rhythmic gymnastics team dressed as Saigo Takamori.

The second installment, released in January 2019, delves deeper into regional attractions such as World Heritage sites and the Kagoshima dialect.

In the third installment, Saigo Takamori returns from space and joins citizens to promote Kagoshima City.

Set to upbeat, cheerful pop music, the work blends comical performances with Kagoshima’s rich scenery and food culture.

It’s a perfect piece for those who want to explore the region’s history and culture.

Cape TappiMizumori Kaori

Kaori Mizumori [Cape Tappi] with Lyrics – Lyrics by Koyomi Asa / Music by Hideo Mizumori

This is a celebrated song by Kaori Mizumori that overlays the poignant emotions of a heartbroken woman onto the desolate natural scenery of Aomori.

Released as a single in October 1999, it was also included on the album “Kaori Mizumori Complete Collection ~Tappi Misaki~.” Set at the northernmost tip of the Tsugaru Peninsula, the piece powerfully conveys the sorrow of a protagonist traveling alone while carrying feelings for someone she cannot forget.

Give it a listen when you want to immerse yourself in the travel atmosphere of Japan’s northern regions and the lyrical storytelling unique to enka.

Honmoku MärchenShikanai Takashi

Honmoku Märchen / Takashi Shikanai

I felt it was a sad song, like watching a movie.

To be frank, Honmoku gives me a rather seedy impression, and that might be why.

It feels dramatic, and you can sense that the people around were quite fond of him, which only deepens the sorrow.

Mr.

Shikanai’s voice is unexpectedly soft and gentle, as if he were telling a fairy tale.

“Mijumarism” — Mie Prefecture Version

[Official Pokémon] Oshawott’s Song “Mijumarhythm” – Mie Prefecture Version – Pokémon Kids TV [Children’s Song]

Cuing seaside, mountain, and village scenes of Mie, a bouncing beat and claps invite you into a pop groove.

Repeated wordplay and call-and-response design create a friendly feel, as the song tells a guide’s-eye story that leads listeners to local landmarks.

Pride in one’s hometown and the joy of dancing together breathe through its light melody.

Released in July 2023 as an official video within a prefectural regional-collaboration project.

The original track is a regional version based on a pre-release from March 2023, tied to Mijumaru-themed tourism initiatives and resonating with on-site plans like a wrapped limited express debuting in 2025.

Perfect for family drives, outings, and dances at schools or events.

It’s also great for setting the mood before a trip to Mie—sure to spark your excitement.

The wind is future-colored.

The wind is future-colored.

This song captivates with a hopeful sound that shimmers like Saga’s lush greenery under an endlessly blue sky.

Set to a refreshing, pure melody, it portrays the vitality of nature and the figure of someone taking a step toward the future.

Celebrating the warmth of human connections and the beauty of believing in your dreams and moving forward, this piece will gently illuminate the listener’s heart.

With additional lyrics and composition/arrangement by Kazuo Zaitsu, it was produced in April 1993 as an image song for Saga Prefecture.

Listen to it on a morning when you’re beginning a new challenge or while driving through Saga’s beautiful scenery, and you’ll surely picture a bright future in your heart!