[Yamagata Songs] Beloved local tunes and classic tracks celebrating majestic nature and hometown pride

Snow on the Mogami RiverŌizumi Itsurō

Snow on the Mogami River

This is a song by Itsuro Oizumi that conveys his feelings for his hometown, with winter scenery that deeply touches the heart.

It depicts traveling by boat along the snowy Mogami River, and within the beautiful, silence-filled landscape, a strong sense of wistfulness for his hometown and a past lover is vividly portrayed.

Released as a single in May 2002, the piece is also a commemorative work composed by Oizumi himself upon reaching his 60th birthday.

For those living away from their hometown, listening to it when reminiscing about the past may truly resonate.

Hanagasa OndoAsakura Saya

Royalty Free Use Music | Japanese Traditional (Minyo) Hanagasa-Ondo (Live Saya Asakura)

This is a track in which Saya Asakura turns the familiar Hanagasa Ondo from Yamagata’s summer festival into a passionate rock sound.

Her vocals—backed by the skill that made her Japan’s top folk singer—and a shamisen strummed with the ferocity of a rock guitar shake the listener to the core.

The way traditional calls intertwine with Western strings embodies a new face of folk music, where respect for one’s hometown intersects with a challenge toward the future.

The intense energy packed into this song may just spark a fire in the hearts of those who feel something is missing in their everyday lives.

All of YamagataSeino Ayane

Filming across all 35 cities and towns of Yamagata in 6 days! [All of Yamagata] Official Music Video Ayane Seino [Journey filming in Yamagata’s 35 municipalities]

It’s a heart-lifting local song that feels like traveling through every corner of Yamagata Prefecture.

Carried by Ayane Seino’s gentle voice, the charms of her hometown—its majestic nature and the warmth of its people—are sung straight from the heart.

Released in June 2023, the song became the ending theme for Sakuranbo TV’s “Yamagata Choice” starting in December of the same year.

The story that the artist herself visited all 35 municipalities in the prefecture to create it conveys a deep love for her home.

It’s perfect for a drive to Yamagata, and will surely resonate warmly with those striving far from their hometowns as well.

Mogami River Love Songotowa shinobu

"Mogamigawa Love Song" by Shinobu Otowa — female enka singer — karaoke

This is a song by Shinobu Otowa, who made her debut while still a high school student.

The Mogami River is a first-class river that boasts the longest length in Japan among rivers whose watershed lies almost entirely within a single prefecture.

The image of traveling downstream overlaps with the resolve, “No matter what happens, I will live with you,” expressing a single-minded and powerful love for someone special.

Homecoming: This Is My Way of Life GATAMCGATA feat. Micchī Chen

[Yamagata Dialect Rap] MCGATA feat. Mitchy Chen “Homecoming ~This Is My Way of Living~” Official Promotion Video

A Yamagata-accented rap blends beautifully with an ethnic, faintly nostalgic beat.

It portrays the unvarnished daily life of a young man who, after his dreams in the city fell through, has returned to his hometown.

Yet he is never self-deprecating; the song radiates warmth, affirming his love for his roots and his own way of living.

Released in June 2015, this track became the starting point for the activities that led to the later album “Agasuke no Susume.” For those worn out by city life or seeking to reevaluate how they want to live, it may resonate as if giving voice to your heart.

Yamagata Traditional Vegetable OndoHanda Giken

[Official] "Yamagata Traditional Vegetable Ondo" Handa Giken

This is a song that expresses gratitude and respect for the farmers who support Yamagata’s rich food culture, set to a lively, cheerful ondo rhythm.

With its clear vocals and comical tone, many listeners will find their hearts lifted just by listening.

The piece was created around May 2020.

JA Yamagata also took part, and you can feel the warm intention of the entire community to promote the region’s food culture.

The lyrics feature a parade of traditional vegetables, making it irresistible for anyone interested in Yamagata’s cuisine.

It’s a perfect song for those who want to sing along with their children and have fun learning about their local bounty.

Yamagata Mountain Mnemonic SongHanda Giken

Mnemonic Rhymes of the Mountains of Yamagata (Official Ver.) / Handa Giken

A playful song that likens the eleven towering mountains of Yamagata to a person’s side profile.

Its straightforward awe for Yamagata’s nature is wrapped in an approachable melody.

With the energetic voices of children added in, it conveys a warm, family feel.

Before its single release in January 2020, it was included on the album “CBJAM2018” and became a live favorite.

Though it has no specific tie-ins, it has helped energize Yamagata by being used at local events.

Singing it on a family drive might naturally help you get to know Yamagata’s geography better.