[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 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.
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- 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] Recommended Tracks Filled with Masterpieces and Hometown Pride from Across Japan (41–50)
Kiyama, the tip of Sagadoburokku
A heartwarming rock tune that beautifully blends deep love for their hometown with Doburock’s signature humor.
It affectionately sings about their hometown’s unique trait—Saga Prefecture poking into Fukuoka Prefecture—peppered with friendly puns.
It’s not just funny; you can feel the warmth in their gaze! This piece was created in July 2018 to celebrate the 80th anniversary of Kiyama Town’s incorporation, adding a festive touch to Doburock’s appointment as hometown ambassadors.
It’s a special work that’s also used for the town’s PR.
With its energetic sound, it’s guaranteed to lift your spirits on a drive.
Give it a listen while thinking of your own hometown.
Song of YokkaichiIto Hideshi
A rustic folk song that feels like filling your lungs with Mie’s air.
It gently reflects the breath of the city and the presence of sea and mountains, awakening memories of home.
The song weaves in place names and scenes of everyday life, wrapping the heart of homecoming in the soft resonance of acoustics.
The vocals are intimate, as if speaking to you, and the chorus opens brightly like a horizon.
Its arrangement shines even in a simple voice-and-guitar performance, and it’s incredibly easy to hum along to.
Included on the 2007 album “Let’s Go Home (Uchi e Kaerō).” Hideshi Ito’s 2003 “Grandfather’s Clock – ZuZu Version” reached No.
17 on the Oricon overall chart and sold over 200,000 copies, and this work stands out in that lineage of “local-themed series.” Perfect for road trips, drives home, or evening strolls.
Highly recommended!
Yaite, yaite, SagaKatte ni Kankō Kyōkai
This is a lovable track that captures the charm of Saga Prefecture with the sprightly sounds of guitalele and ocarina, paired with lyrics that are sure to make you chuckle.
Created by the duo Miura Jun and Anzai Hajime under their unit “Katte ni Kanko Kyokai” (The Unofficial Tourism Association), the song parades a series of local icons, from Yobuko’s squid to Arita porcelain and the Yoshinogari archaeological site.
The uniquely witty lyrics make you feel as if you’re traveling through Saga just by listening.
The track is part of a project in which they traveled nationwide to create local songs, and it’s included on the album “Katte ni Kanko Kyokai Vol.3: Gotochi Song CD Kanketsu-hen,” released in February 2008.
Their production style—recording at inns while on the road—likely contributes to the song’s warm yet laid-back vibe.
It’s recommended not only for those connected to Saga, but also for anyone who wants to feel uplifted on a drive.
Be sure to experience this humor-filled world for yourself!
Dive into EspañaKatte ni Kankō Kyōkai
A delightful piece of local pop bursting with the scent of the sea and sparkling humor.
It briskly links the breath of the ama divers, the morning at Meoto Iwa (the Married Couple Rocks), and even Ise udon and Matsusaka beef, all while letting a quiet affection for the hometown seep through behind the laughs.
Styled as a musical that borrows the guise of a tourist guide, this song conjures vivid scenes of Mie as you listen.
Released in February 2008, it was included after its appearance on the album “Katte ni Kankō Kyōkai Vol.
2” (2004), and later on the album “Katte ni Gotōchi Song 47+1: Japan Nationwide Ryokan Recordings.” Composed by Jun Miura and produced by the Katte ni Kankō Kyōkai.
There were no tie-ins.
This work is perfect for before or after a trip to Ise-Shima, or whenever you want a hometown song to lift your spirits.
Recommended for those who want to enjoy local culture with a light touch or brighten their mood with a comical regional tune.
Shima PeninsulaToba Ichirō
A locally rooted enka that rises with the scent of the tide and the shimmer of pearl rafts.
Born and raised by the sea, Ichiro Toba’s voice vividly portrays Wagu, Oshima, Maehama Fishing Port, and the “Shiokake Festival,” powerfully conveying pride and human warmth.
The weight of someone from Toba City in Mie Prefecture with experience in deep-sea fishing resonates, letting you feel, almost on your skin, the heat of the port’s labor and festivities.
In some years the event draws around 10,000 visitors, and there is a monument inscribed with the song at Shima Fureai Park.
Released as a single in August 2001, with lyrics by Ryuichi Satomura, composition by Katsuhiko Miki, and arrangement by Masakane Tsuta.
It was included on the October 2001 album “Ichiro Toba: Complete Collection,” and later on the album “Kono Michi.” The B-side is “Daio no Shippu” (Gale of Daio).
It was performed at the 52nd NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen in 2001.
This track is recommended for coastal drives or nights when you’re thinking of your hometown.
Its surging rhythm stirs your memories.
Oita RiverHigashi Chiharu
Set against the majestic Oita River in Oita Prefecture, this is a song by Chiharu Azuma that richly conveys shifting human emotions and feelings for one’s hometown.
The lyrics are based on the work that won the top prize in a lyric contest held by the Oita Godo Shimbun, making it truly a piece woven from the hearts of local people.
Many listeners may find themselves empathizing with the way life is likened to the grand flow of the river, looking back with nostalgia while still facing forward.
The gently nostalgic melody of this kayokyoku evokes serene scenes of Oita in the mind.
For those living away from their hometown, this song may feel as if it speaks on their behalf.
Yokosuka StoryYamaguchi Momoe
I always think Momoe-chan captures the world of the Uzaki–Aki duo very well.
And although I’ve never been to Yokosuka, this also makes me feel it’s a city that suits Momoe-chan perfectly.
Even though she was young (at the time), the cool way she sings is really great.