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

Woman of KisoKitajima Saburō

Woman of Kiso

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.

Kiso-bushiNaganoken minyō

Kiso-bushi (Nagano Prefecture folk song)

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 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.

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.

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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Alone on the Shinano RoadHarada Yuuri

Alone on the Shinano Road

This is a song by Yuri Harada, released in January 1997, that sings of longing for one’s hometown through the mindset of a solo journey.

Against the backdrop of Shinshu’s beautiful scenery, it delicately portrays a woman’s loneliness and nostalgia as she traces her travels.

Harada’s richly expressive vocals superbly convey the protagonist’s deep-seated yearning and wistfulness, resonating profoundly with listeners.

The melancholy melody line gives it a classic enka feel that evokes the nature and climate of Shinshu.

It’s a recommended track for those living away from their hometown or for anyone who cherishes solitary moments at life’s turning points.

Hakuba Mountain Foothillskaryūdō

Hunter: “At the Foot of Mount Hakuba”

This song, which sings of a longing for snowy northern landscapes and majestic mountains, is a classic distinguished by the beautiful harmonies of Kariudo.

Its lyrics delicately portray the feelings of someone who has left their hometown, resonating deeply and conjuring vivid images of mountain ranges cloaked in white snow.

Released in July 1980, the piece is arranged with a folk foundation while incorporating pop elements, and the warm tones of the acoustic guitar lend the entire track a rich depth.

Recommended for those who carry feelings for their hometown or who seek comfort in the beauty of nature.