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 about Niigata. The enduring heart of our hometown (1–10)
Niigata BluesMikawa Ken’ichi
Niigata Blues is Kenichi Mikawa’s seventh single, released on August 10, 1967.
Vividly depicting scenes of Niigata, this song guides listeners toward warm memories of home.
With its comforting melody and wistful lyrics, it carries a beauty that reflects on time that has slipped away.
It’s a deeply moving piece I especially recommend to anyone with ties to Niigata.
For those spending their days yearning for a distant hometown, why not listen to Niigata Blues and indulge in a sense of nostalgia?
I Love Niigata! ~Quarter World~Igarashi Mizumo
Released on June 17, 2009.
This is a single by Mizumo Igarashi, a singer-songwriter from Niigata Prefecture who is active mainly in Niigata.
It served as the campaign song for NST’s “Smile Stadium: We Love Niigata!” and was also used as a commercial song for NST Niigata General Television.
marine snowjero
Released on February 20, 2008.
This song is themed around the sea as seen from Izumozaki Town in Mishima District, Niigata Prefecture.
Incidentally, at the time of the release, Jero had never seen the Sea of Japan in winter, so he is said to have sung it while imagining the ocean of his hometown in California.
On the sandy beachNiigata shimin aishōka
Enacted in 1969 (Showa 44).
It is played on “Announcements from the Prefecture,” a public information program broadcast on Niigata Sogo Television (NST).
A relief has also been installed on the railing of the Chitose Ohashi Bridge located in Chuo Ward.
Niigata Omossewane Ondoeigoichie
Echigo Ichie is a duo consisting of Koshihikari and Shinano Tokiko.
Their lyrics are packed with dialects and local specialties, making it the perfect song for learning the Niigata dialect.
Winter yellowtail of SadoKikawa Maki
Released on November 3, 2010.
The winter yellowtail (kanburi) fishing season in Sado begins in November, and the song is themed around the men who fish in the frigid Sea of Japan.
It’s a track that vividly conveys dynamism and strength, as if battling the vigorous winter yellowtail surging southward through the rough waves of the Sea of Japan.
Shinano RiverTakigawa Maiko
Released on January 15, 2003.
This song, inspired by Japan’s longest river, the Shinano River, is also known for topping the Oricon enka chart for four consecutive weeks.
Its lyrics beautifully express how the grand, flowing Shinano River envelops the cold of winter and the sorrow of parting.