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)
Matsukawa OnDo!Kozaka Akiko
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.
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.
Farewell, Hotaka.daakudakkusu
A song that originally was a military tune gradually gained new verses among mountaineers, and it is said to have lyrics up to the tenth verse.
Mount Hotaka, Japan’s third-highest peak at 3,190 meters, towers on the border between Matsumoto City in Nagano Prefecture and Takayama City in Gifu Prefecture.
No matter how much time passes, this famed mountain range known as the Northern Alps remains a summit that mountaineers aspire to challenge.
Kisogawa MirenMizuta Takiko
There are quite a few male singers who have turned the journey along the 69 stations of the Nakasendō into songs, but this one is a female version.
Ena is in Gifu Prefecture, so the inn might have been either Tsumago or Magome, which are post towns in Nagano Prefecture and popular tourist spots.
The Kiso River flows through Nagano, Gifu, and Aichi, so you can trace the route of the journey.
As expected, most local songs tend to be enka.
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.
Classic songs that sing of Nagano: The enduring spirit of our hometown (41–50)
Longing for the Chikuma RiverIshihara Yūjirō
The Chikuma River sounds like a song that layers the images of Toson Shimazaki’s “First Love”—‘beneath the apple tree where the bangs had only just begun to be raised’—and “Chikuma River Travel Sentiments”—‘By the old castle in Komoro, the clouds are white and the wanderer is sad.’ Mr.
Yūjirō also sang quite a few local-themed songs.
Tenryu GorgeMizumori Kaori
There’s a narrow footpath in the Tenryu River gorge that runs through Iida City, Nagano Prefecture.
I’m sure the protagonist of the poem must have walked this path.
In that melancholy poem about parting, it says that ringing a bell lifted their spirits a little, and if you cross the Tsutsuji Bridge at the end of this path, there’s a small “Bell of Happiness.” Naturally, it’s said that ringing it will bring you good fortune.
I’d recommend it more as a dating spot than a place for farewells.