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.
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.”
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.
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.
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.
Bonfire of the Windsadamasashi
A richly expressive ballad, quiet yet imbued with deep emotion, included on the June 1979 album “Yume Kuyo.” Like a bonfire swaying in the wind, it delicately portrays, through lyrics and melody, people who live both fleetingly and with strength—an emblematic piece of Masashi Sada’s musical sensibility.
While rooted in folk, the arrangement incorporates elements of classical and pop, and the poetic, vividly descriptive lyrics—evocative of Nagano—resonate deeply.
A masterpiece to listen to when you want to quietly feel nostalgia for your hometown and the bittersweetness of life.