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

A slightly capricious migratory birdHikawa Kiyoshi

Kiyoshi Hikawa / A Slightly Capricious Drifter [Official]

This song by Kiyoshi Hikawa, synonymous with matabii-style enka, is a local-themed tune that journeys from Miho no Matsubara to the Amagi Pass in Izu and, finally, from Komoro in Nagano to Kutsukake-juku—now Nakakaruizawa in Kitasaku District, Nagano—the 19th post station from Edo, where it stirs maternal feelings as it recalls the singer’s mother back home.

The Road of KinasaNishijima Mieko

Kinasa Road — Mieko Nishijima

As a singer-songwriter, he may be low-key, but he has had a long-lasting career.

His signature song is Ikegami Line, which might be considered something of a hidden gem.

His wistful, relaxed singing style was a bit different from folk singers of the time.

Kinanori no Michi refers to a village that actually existed in Kamikami District, Nagano Prefecture; the area is known for its autumn foliage and has a long-standing tale called the Maple Leaf Legend, which he turned into a song.

Northern Shinano LamentNoji Yukiko

Yukiko Noji Northern Shinano Lament

It’s the theme song of a daytime drama that aired in the late Showa 40s (late 1960s).

Since it’s a fairly old daytime drama, all I know is that it’s a pure love story between a village girl and a young man from the city who aspires to be a painter.

Speaking of “Zesshō,” the older reference would be Kazuo Funaki, and a bit more recent would be the film starring Momoe Yamaguchi—both are tearful, tragic love stories.

If it’s titled “Hokushinano Zesshō,” then I don’t think the ending is a happy one.

hometownshouka

Furusato (♪ The mountain where we chased rabbits ~) by Himawari ×4 [Chorus] With Lyrics [One of Japan’s 100 Famous Songs] FURUSATO Hometown |

Blue mountains, pure waters, and memories of childhood play.

The gentle melody that wraps these scenes of a beloved hometown, along with feelings for family and friends living far away, holds a universal appeal that resonates with everyone.

First published in 1914 as a Ministry of Education school song, this piece was created by Tatsuyuki Takano and Teiichi Okano, vividly reflecting the rural landscapes and lifestyles of Japan at the time.

It was sung at the closing ceremony of the 1998 Nagano Winter Olympics, moving countless people.

Its simple, memorable melody in G major and triple meter continues to be sung at life’s milestones, such as graduation and coming-of-age ceremonies.

With lyrics and melody that evoke nostalgia, it is truly a song that stands by all who live away from their hometowns—a work that can be said to symbolize the heart of Japan.

Azusagawa, Shinano RoadMori Masako

Shinano Route, Azusa River

Nagano has many beautiful mountains, and in particular, the beauty of the Azusa River flowing through Kamikochi—one of Japan’s premier scenic spots in the Northern Alps—is something that anyone who has traveled there will feel compelled to share with someone.

This song is a bright tune about a woman traveling alone who wishes to one day share that same moving experience with someone she loves.

Masako Mori, who debuted at age 13 with the song “Sensei,” has also become very feminine and beautiful compared to back then.

Matsukawa OnDo!Kozaka Akiko

Matsukawa OnDo!

This song was created to commemorate the 40th anniversary of town status for Matsukawa in Shimoina District, Nagano Prefecture, where the Tenryu River runs north to south.

The lyrics, composition, and arrangement were all done by Akiko Kosaka, who made a huge hit with “Anata.” Even in Nagano Prefecture, which has many famous tourist spots, regional revitalization remains an important issue for areas whose place names are still not widely known.

By the old castle at KomoroOgawa Akiko

Ryutaro Hirota: By the Old Castle of Komoro (Toson Shimazaki)

This poem by Toson Shimazaki, included in the collection Rakubaishū, and the pieces “By the Old Castle in Komoro” and “A Travel Poem of the Chikuma River” have been set to music many times and sung over many years.

This may be my own interpretation, but as a traveler takes in the Chikuma River through the changing seasons with a touch of melancholy, they also find a ray of hope in the river’s unchanging flow despite the many shifts of history.

It shows just how deeply the Chikuma River has moved poets.