A classic song about Nagano. The enduring spirit of our hometown passed down through song.
The Hotaka Mountain Range of the Northern Alps, the night view of Lake Suwa, the timeless flow of the Chikuma River.
Blessed with abundant nature, Nagano has long been cherished by many artists as the stage for songs that resonate in the heart.
In this article, we’ve picked out songs related to Nagano from a wide range of genres, including folk songs, enka, and J-pop.
We present a selection of gems that depict the beauty of Nagano—its stunning seasonal landscapes and the feelings of the people who live there, woven together.
Please enjoy them at your leisure, whether reminiscing about Nagano’s scenery or looking forward to the day you visit.
A classic song that sings of Nagano. The enduring spirit of our hometown (1–10)
Shinano ProvinceHimegami, Misutera, Feo
It’s a song so familiar locally that they say every resident of Nagano can sing it.
There’s even a survey suggesting that 80% of residents can! What wonderful prefectural pride.
Since the lyrics include place names in Nagano and famous tourist spots, it’s an intriguing tune for anyone looking to visit Nagano Prefecture.
Shinano ProvinceNEW!Naganoken
This is a prefectural anthem overflowing with local pride that enjoys overwhelming support from the people of Nagano.
Composed as a school song in 1900, it was officially adopted as the prefectural anthem in 1968.
Its lyrics, which comprehensively cover Nagano’s rich mountains and rivers as well as notable historical figures, are distinctive, and it’s counted among Japan’s three great prefectural anthems.
Although its content is like a geography or history textbook, the melody is easy to remember and singing it sets your heart ablaze.
It was even performed at the 1998 Nagano Winter Olympics, and it’s a song whose passion will surely overwhelm you, even if you’re not from Nagano Prefecture.
Space and NaganoOkazaki Taiiku
This work captures the complex yet affectionate feelings Okazaki Taiiku holds for his hometown.
Released in March 2024 as one of the tracks on the digital-only EP “Suplex,” this song features a melody line that reportedly came together in just about five minutes—so naturally that he himself has called it a “throwaway track.” Through the contrasting motifs of the vastness of space and the nearness of home, it carefully portrays the sense of emotional distance and belonging we experience in everyday life.
It’s a song best savored by those living away from their hometown of Nagano, or anyone who finds themselves wanting to reflect on their roots.
Song of Nagano PrefectureAsakura Kurumi
A heartwarming song by Kurumi Asakura that openly sings of her love for her hometown, surrounded by the mountains of Shinshu.
The lyrics, sprinkled with scenes of Nagano’s beautiful landscapes and local anecdotes, convey a deep nostalgia for the days spent in her hometown.
Carefully crafted over the course of about a year, this work is a piece overflowing with love for Nagano.
Its bright, approachable melody will resonate deeply not only with those from Nagano Prefecture, but also with anyone living away from their hometown.
Komoro Love SongOkawa Eisaku
A song that expresses the feelings of an older brother, who has acted like a father, worrying about his younger sister who has married and moved to the city.
Some listeners may find themselves empathizing with his concern for her future.
The poem mentions two place names in Nagano Prefecture: Komoro and Mount Asama.
“The old song we used to sing” may be referring to the Nagano folk song “Komoro Mago-uta.”
Kiso-bushiNaganoken minyō
It is a representative folk song of the Kiso region in Nagano Prefecture that sings of the Kiso mountains and local life.
It is said to have originated in the Edo to Meiji periods, when people engaged in logging and timber transport sang it during breaks from work or at festivals.
It features distinctive phrasing with traditional Japanese instruments such as the shamisen, shakuhachi, and taiko, along with a plaintive melody.
From the 20th century onward, it became known nationwide after being covered by enka singers like Yukio Hashi and Haruo Minami.
In addition to being beloved at local festivals, events, and tourism promotions, it has also been used in films and television dramas.
Woman of KisoKitajima Saburō
Set against the deep mountain valleys of the Kiso Road, this is one of Saburo Kitajima’s signature entries in his “Woman Series,” expressing complex feelings toward one’s hometown.
Released in October 1973, the song brilliantly fuses Tetsuro Hoshino’s poetic lyrics with Nobuo Shimazu’s wistful melody.
Through Kitajima’s powerful kobushi vocal style, it richly conveys the emotions of a woman living amid Kiso’s harsh natural landscape.
For those who have left their hometown, or who have experienced farewells to important people at life’s turning points, the poignant sentiments woven into this piece will resonate deeply.
Woman of the Kiso RoadHarada Yuuri
Set against the beautiful Kiso Road, this masterpiece of enka artfully portrays a woman’s poignant longing and lingering love.
Its wistful melody is interwoven with traditional Japanese imagery, while Yuri Harada’s powerful yet delicate vocals resonate deeply.
Released in September 1985, the song sold 180,000 copies and ultimately became a million-seller, helping to establish Harada’s status as an enka singer.
It’s a must-listen for those who have experienced farewells in life, who feel a deep connection to their hometown, or who are moved by Japan’s beautiful landscapes.
AzuminoHarada Yuuri
The Oito Line, which connects Shinshu-Matsumoto Station to Itoigawa Station in Niigata, is a train line that runs against a backdrop of scenery that shows a different face each season.
“Azumino,” which is also the title of this piece, is a region famous for wasabi.
The song portrays a heartbroken journey taken in hopes of forgetting a former lover, and it features several Nagano sightseeing spots along the way, making it a track that strongly evokes the character of Nagano.
a hundred stepsFun-de-Led
Created by volunteer current students of Matsumoto Kenryogaoka High School to mark the school’s milestone 100th anniversary, this song pairs a bright, fast-paced pop-rock sound with a sprightly saxophone melody that adds a distinctive accent, blending youthful freshness with a sense of celebration.
The lyrics reflect both the century-long history the school has built and a resolve to embrace a new future, inspiring a positive outlook in listeners.
First unveiled at the 76th Kenryo Festival in July 2023, the track has achieved an exceptional number of plays for a school-originated song.
It’s a piece we hope will resonate with anyone who cherishes memories of youth and their hometown, as well as those standing at the start of a new chapter.