A classic song that celebrates Niigata. The enduring spirit of our hometown passed down through song.
When you think of Niigata, you think of Koshihikari rice! But this time, I’d like to introduce some songs themed around Niigata.
We’ve gathered a variety: enka that sings of the particular loneliness of snowy regions, songs inspired by folk music, and funky tunes that convey Niigata’s greatness.
For those who live in Niigata or lived there as children, some of these tracks may bring back memories.
Each song showcases what makes Niigata wonderful, so be sure to listen while checking out the lyrics.
A selection of Niigata songs, just for you!
- Niigata’s folk songs, children’s songs, and nursery rhymes: the heart of our hometown passed down in song
- [Local Songs] Recommended tracks packed with Japan’s nationwide classics and hometown pride
- [Akita Songs] A Collection of Gem-Like Local Tunes Filled with Love for Hometowns
- Bands, artists, and singers from Niigata Prefecture
- A classic song about Nagano. The enduring spirit of our hometown passed down through song.
- A roundup of regional enka songs: classic hits that feature places from all across Japan in their lyrics.
- [Songs of Fukushima] Thinking of my hometown | A heartwarming collection of classic songs celebrating the beautiful “Fukushima”
- A classic song that sings of Yamanashi. The enduring heart of our hometown.
- [Yamagata Songs] Beloved local tunes and classic tracks celebrating majestic nature and hometown pride
- Chiba Songs: A comprehensive introduction, from famous tunes filled with hometown love to local theme songs
- Miyagi Songs: Popular tracks that celebrate famous sights and specialties, and timeless pieces filled with love for home
- [Hometown Songs] A curated selection of popular Japanese tracks that fill your heart with nostalgia
- A famous song about Fukuoka. The heart of the hometown passed down through song.
A classic song that sings of Niigata: The enduring heart of our hometown (21–30)
If I sing the OkesaHashi Yukio
Released on October 5, 1960.
This song incorporates Sado’s representative folk tune “Sado Okesa,” making it a familiar piece for residents of Niigata Prefecture.
A film titled “Okesa Utaeba,” with this song as its theme and starring Yukio Hashi, was produced and reportedly released on July 19, 1961.
Song of Yoshida Townyoshida takurou
Takuro Yoshida’s Song of Yoshida Town is set in Niigata Prefecture.
Created in 1991 at the request of a local volunteer group and later used in commercials, this piece is a heartwarming song rooted in Niigata.
Its lyrics, tracing a journey from childhood to adulthood, stir listeners’ emotions.
Although Yoshida Town has since merged with Bunsui Town to become part of Tsubame City, many who hear the song will be reminded of the hometown where they grew up.
Whether you have ties to Niigata or not, this is a track that’s sure to resonate deeply with any listener!
Max Toki No. 315NGT48
“Max Toki No.
315” is a song released by NGT48.
While the lyrics don’t explicitly mention it, you can tell from the title and the music video that the song is themed around Niigata.
It was also used as the commercial song for JR East Niigata Branch’s travel brand “TYO,” and additionally adopted for commercials for Ichimasa Kamaboko’s reduced-salt product series.
Its refreshing melody and heartfelt lyrics convey new hopes and joys likened to the thawing of snow, leaving listeners with a very positive feeling.
Be sure to listen to it while picturing the scenery of Niigata!
hometownMy Hair is Bad
This song, packed with hometown love for Joetsu City in Niigata Prefecture, is one of the tracks included on the album “boys,” released in June 2019.
By mentioning former friends and the shops they used to visit by name, the lyrics move back and forth between past and present, stirring up the hometown scenes in the listener’s heart.
The part where Shiiki packs in words almost like a rap is striking, and the style feels fresh—rather than following a melody, it speaks to you on the rhythm.
Cherished by fans as a song that conveys the band’s roots, this is a deeply beloved track.
The vocal range itself isn’t wide, but there are lots of words, so the trick is to lock into the rhythm when you sing it.
Give it a listen on a night when you suddenly find yourself thinking of your distant hometown or old friends.
Hibari’s Sado Love StoryMisora Hibari
Released on October 5, 1962.
It’s a heartbreak song themed around Sado Island, and many singers still cover it today.
The song also inspired the film “Hibari’s Sado Romance,” in which it was used as the theme song and starred Hibari Misora.
The Sandshrew SongPanya no Ken-chan
Released on March 18, 2017.
This song was created to promote the beloved Niigata specialty: a sweet roll called “sand pan,” which is a koppe-pan spread with buttercream.
Hopefully not only the song but also the “sand pan” sold at 15 bakeries across the prefecture will gain popularity.
snow camelliaKobayashi Sachiko
Released on June 25, 1987.
Sachiko Kobayashi is from Niigata City, and the song title “Yuki Tsubaki” (Snow Camellia) is designated as the prefectural tree of Niigata.
A monument with the song’s lyrics has also been erected in Kamo Yama Park in Kamo City, which is home to Japan’s largest colony of snow camellias.