A classic song about Nagano. The enduring spirit of our hometown passed down through song.

Woman of the Kiso RoadHarada Yuuri

Kisoji Woman — Showa Song — Yuri Harada

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

Nostalgic karaoke “Azumino” original song ♪ Yuri Harada

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.

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a hundred stepsFun-de-Led

[76th Kenryo Festival Theme Song] Hyappo / Fun-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.

Bonfire of the Windsadamasashi

Bonfire of the Wind

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.

Chikuma Ko-utaSakushi: Masaki Fujokyu / Sakkyoku: Nakayama Shinpei

Chikuma Ko-uta

This is an evocative kouta (short traditional song) with lyrics by Fuyokyu Masaki and music by Shimpei Nakayama, born in the hot spring region along the Chikuma River.

Created in the early Showa era to convey the charms of Togura-Kamiyamada Onsen, the piece is a masterpiece that exudes Nakayama’s distinctive “Shimpei-bushi,” imbued with love for his hometown of Nagano.

Its Japanese-style melody, using the yonanuki scale, beautifully expresses the atmosphere of the hot-spring town and the flow of the Chikuma River.

Beloved at local events and in tourism promotions, the song is also presented at the Shimpei Nakayama Memorial Museum along with his achievements.

Through the steam of the baths, nostalgic scenes are sure to come to mind.

Komoro Packhorse Driver’s SongNaganoken minyō

Komoro Mago Uta (Nagano folk song) — Komoro Packhorse Driver’s Song (Nagano, Japan)

This is a traditional folk song from Komoro City that has long been cherished as a work song for packhorse drivers walking steep mountain trails with their horses.

Those engaged in the grueling task of transporting goods sang it to encourage their horses and sustain their own spirits amid harsh natural conditions.

Its plaintive melody conveys both the hardships of labor in the mountains and a sense of reverence for nature, as well as the bonds among companions.

Recorded from the early to mid-Showa period, it began to be performed at local festivals and events and has been carefully preserved as part of local cultural conservation efforts.

It’s recommended for anyone who wants to feel the spirit of Shinshu’s landscape or experience Japan’s traditional culture.

holidayDragon Ash

holiday

It’s a Dragon Ash song that depicts young people carrying various feelings through life in the city, who end up at Lake Suwa after a late-night drive and resolve to start living new days from tomorrow.

If you’re worn out by the dizzying pace of everyday life or feel the urge to escape the routine, you might feel as though the lyrics speak directly for your own emotions.

It’s also a great listen before a trip to Nagano to savor a break from the ordinary.

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