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A Nationwide Compilation of Timelessly Beloved Railway Songs

The nostalgic sound of the steam whistle and melodies that have been loved across time.

Songs related to railways—beginning with the Railway Songs—carry a warmly familiar charm.

They evoke memories encountered at stations and on trains, scenes of departures and homecomings, images that anyone can relate to.

So in this article, we’ll be compiling railway songs from all over Japan! We’ll feature a variety of works, from early pieces to modern ones.

These are the songs of the railway that are deeply etched in our hearts.

Railway Songs Loved Across the Ages: Nationwide Compilation (21–30)

Railway Song (Descent into Ōshū)Sakushi: Shigama Totsuji / Sakkyoku: Shigama Hitoji / Uta: Dāku Dakkusu

This is a song about the Tohoku Line, composed in 1900 (Meiji 33).

It has never been released on CD or other formats; only records still exist.

The lyricist, Totsuji Shikama, was a musician from Sendai who introduced the mandolin to Japan and later became a mandolin instructor.

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Railway Song (Chuo Line)Sakushi: Owada Takeki/Sakkyoku: Oumeichi/Uta: Kido Burazāzu

This song was composed in 1911 (Meiji 44).

While other Railway Songs typically have around 60 verses and lengthy lyrics, the Chuo Line’s Railway Song has 28 verses and is relatively short.

This piece is a song for the Chuo Main Line section of the Chuo Line, describing the scenery and scenes visible from the stations on the way to Nagoya.

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Odakyu Pipo Trainsakushi sakkyoku: miki torirou/ uta: za piinattsu

This was a former commercial song for the Odakyu Romancecar.

The title “Pipo” was chosen to evoke the sound of the Romancecar’s horn.

The phrase “pipo” appears throughout the song, making it a catchy tune that sticks in your head after just one listen.

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Corporate anthem of Central Japan Railway Companysakushi: Hayashi Nozomi/sakkyoku: Satou Makoto/uta: Nikikai

It is the second company song of Central Japan Railway Company (JR Central).

The first company song was a track titled “Kimi o Nosete,” sung by Mariko Takahashi.

This second company song was created to commemorate the 20th anniversary of JR’s founding.

Notably, despite being a company song, the lyrics never mention the company’s name even once.

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Keihan Limited ExpressSakushi sakkyoku: Miki Torirou / Henkyoku: Arashino Hidehiko / Uta: Kusunoki Toshie Hoā Koinzu

This is the theme song of the Keihan Limited Express operated by Keihan Electric Railway.

There are versions of the lyrics reflecting line extensions and station name changes.

Later, it was included in a collection album by songwriter-composer Toriro Miki, updated with the latest station names along the line.

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The Northern LandSakushi: Yamagami Michio / Sakkyoku: Morita Koichi / Uta: Dāku Dakkusu

This is the corporate song of Hokkaido Railway Company (JR Hokkaido).

The lyrics were selected through an internal public submission and then revised by Michio Yamagami.

When included on commercially available CDs, the company name in the lyrics is replaced with different wording, and the company name appears in the lyrics only when it is performed as a corporate anthem.

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Go Go KeiseiSakushi: Taguchi Makoto/Sakkyoku: Tamano Yoshio/Utai: Funabashi Herususenṭā Gurī Kurabu

It is a commercial song for Keisei Electric Railway.

The vocals were performed by the Funabashi Health Center Club, a group formed from employees of the Funabashi Health Center.

Some say it is also a company song, but it was mainly used in radio and television programs provided by Keisei Electric Railway.

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Light Railway SongSakushi: Tokuda Yasuchika/Sakkyoku: Mita Shin’ichi/Uta: Fō Shisutāzu (genkyoku)