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.
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A classic song about Nagano. The enduring spirit of our hometown passed down in song (31–40)
hometownshouka
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.
Song of the Rock Ptarmigansan-shi-roku
The rock ptarmigan is a resident bird that does not migrate, enduring the cold even on alpine peaks in the dead of winter and remaining in place until the warm spring arrives.
It is designated as the prefectural bird of Nagano, Gifu, and Toyama.
This masterpiece can be heard as a message of encouragement to people placed in harsh, sorrowful circumstances, reflecting the nature of the ptarmigan.
Azusagawa, Shinano RoadMori Masako
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.
Kiso is in the mountains.Katsuragi Yuki
Yuki Katsuragi, known for her impactful vocals in “Bohemian,” surprisingly also has songs with a folk-song feel.
It’s a classic about a woman traveling alone who is moved by the quiet, unassuming nature deep in the Kiso mountains.
It’s unclear whether she’s heartbroken or her lover is so free-spirited that they can’t meet often, but it’s a masterpiece about longing for someone you love.
Kurohime Monogatariozawa akiko
It’s a narrative enka that lets you experience it as if you were watching a film.
Akiko Ozawa’s “Kurohime Monogatari” is a single released in June 2025, inspired by the folklore of her hometown Nagano, the Legend of Kurohime.
The progression from a quiet, storytelling tone to a dramatic climax truly captivates the listener’s heart.
If you’d like to explore enka rich in storytelling or feel the beauty of Japan’s traditions, I highly recommend giving it a listen.
Classic songs that sing of Nagano: The enduring spirit of our hometown (41–50)
Karuizawa ConnectionOginome Yōko
This is one of the tracks from the album “246 Connection,” which is themed around National Route 246 and summer retreats.
Yoko Oginome, who later scored a huge hit with “Dancing Hero” in 1985, was still a teenager at this time, and the songs portrayed a city girl image.
In the context of the album, this particular song is set in summer Karuizawa and, reflecting Oginome’s age, expresses the feelings of young people who “don’t want to grow up.” There is audio available, but no images.
Young Lady of the PlateauFunaki Kazuo
“The Girl from the Highlands” is a coming-of-age film from 1965 starring Kazuo Funaki and Masako Izumi, set against the backdrop of the Tateshina Highlands.
In the lyrics, the only clue that vaguely suggests Nagano is the mention of white birch trees, but the film is unmistakably set in Tateshina, Nagano Prefecture.
By the way, Masako Izumi was truly beautiful in her younger days.