[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.
- 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] Recommended Tracks Filled with Masterpieces and Hometown Pride from Across Japan (41–50)
Song of Oarai TownBxAxG
This is the official image song of Oarai Town, created by the locally rooted mixture rock band BxAxG.
The vocalist, NAOI, lives in Oarai as a fisherman, and that authentic perspective is a major appeal of the track.
The line “born, raised, and felt in the town of Oarai” conveys a deep affection and pride that goes beyond simple scenic description.
The lyrics, which vividly evoke the warmth and kindness of the townspeople, are truly the everyday life of Oarai.
Carried by an energetic sound, the straightforward feelings it delivers warmly embrace listeners’ hearts—making it a quintessential local anthem overflowing with love for the town.
[Local Songs] Must-listen masterpieces and hometown-pride-filled songs from across Japan (51–60)
Our backs and the sunLUNKHEAD
A rock band from Niihama City in Ehime Prefecture, LUNKHEAD offers a classic song filled with bittersweet feelings for their hometown: “Our Backs and the Sun.” Based on the real experiences of vocalist Yotarou Odaka, who wrote both the lyrics and music, the song even mentions a specific place, the “Niihama Civic Cultural Center.” It evokes a shimmering page of youth: nights spent on a deserted rooftop talking about the future with friends, the sun they watched while holding both anxiety and hope for what lies ahead.
Carried by nostalgic guitar tones, the straightforward message—“Let’s dream once more”—gently nudges those who have left home and are doing their best.
It’s a warm anthem that reminds listeners of love and gratitude for their hometown.
osmanthus (fragrant orange osmanthus; sweet olive)LUNKHEAD
LUNKHEAD’s song “Kinmokusei,” created by members from Niihama City in Ehime Prefecture, is filled with vocalist Yoshitaro Odaka’s feelings for his hometown, layered over his own high school days.
The lyrics weave in local scenery like Besshiyama and the Hiuchi-nada Sea, and along with the sweet, wistful fragrance of osmanthus, they awaken the youthful memories we all keep tucked away.
The image of tossing a school uniform—still a bit early for the seasonal change—into a bicycle basket feels like a scene from a film.
It’s a song that gently wraps the hearts of everyone who longs for their hometown.
STU48 Ehime ver.STU48
A local song overflowing with love for Ehime by STU48, a group based across the seven Setouchi prefectures.
This track, included on their debut single, makes its appeal unmistakably clear once you listen to the lyrics.
From tourist spots like Matsuyama Castle, the Shimanami Kaido, and the Botchan Train to specialties such as jakoten fish cakes and Imabari towels, Ehime’s “treasures” appear one after another.
It feels as if all the answers to “What is Ehime known for?” are packed into this one song.
Their refreshing vocals and the up-tempo melody are sure to vividly bring back memories of places you’ve visited.
A buoyant track that conveys their love for their hometown straight from the heart.
Hospitalityibaraki wakadanna
Ibaraki Wakadanna is a unit formed as part of a tourism promotion for Ibaraki.
Their debut song, “O-MO-TE-NA-SHI,” is, as the title suggests, a welcome song filled with the spirit of hospitality.
Set to a melody reminiscent of nostalgic Showa-era pop, it conveys a warm sentiment toward those visiting Ibaraki.
Because the members actually work in lodging facilities, their message of “We’ve been waiting for you” carries genuine warmth and real persuasive power.
Just by listening, you can almost picture the entrance of an inn welcoming travelers and the gentle smiles of the people of Ibaraki.
This song will surely make you want to set out on a journey to experience the charms of Ibaraki.
The Crows of TsukubaMinami Haruo
This is a local song set in Ibaraki by Haruo Minami, known as a nationally beloved singer.
The emotionally rich “kayō-rōkyoku” style, unique to a rōkyoku balladeer, vividly portrays the scenery of Tsukuba and the human warmth that resides there.
The word “aho-garasu” (foolish crow) that appears in the lyrics likely symbolizes the protagonist’s helpless feelings and homesickness as he travels far from home.
Listening to Minami’s powerful yet gentle voice, you can almost see the sun setting over the banks of the Tone River and the scenes of Morokawa-juku.
It’s a deeply moving song filled with the spirit of Ibaraki and the bittersweet longing for one’s hometown.
Our hometownImabari Shiritsu Bekku Shōgakkō 6-nensei
Our Hometown is a song created by the 6th graders of Bekku Elementary School in Imabari City together with singer-songwriter Jinto Tanaka.
The charms of Imabari, woven by the children themselves, ride on a gentle, soothing melody that resonates in the heart—a heartwarming community-made song.
The lyrics feature local specialties like “soft and fluffy towels,” conveying their deep affection for their hometown.
As they approach graduation, their pure, straightforward voices seem to stir nostalgia in listeners and gently wrap them in warmth.