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

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.

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.

MemoriesEgashira Yuya

Iide Town, Yamagata Prefecture — “After all, you’ll find happiness in Iide.” *Details about the song are in the description.

This is a song by Yuya Egashira that portrays him sending encouragement to his past self with a powerful yet warm voice.

Its lyrics awaken precious memories in the heart—like roads once sped down on a bicycle and familiar, nostalgic smiles—so much so that you may feel as if it’s singing about your own experiences.

The track was released in November 2019 as a PR song for Iide Town in Yamagata Prefecture, known as one of “the most beautiful villages in Japan.” Many listeners will surely find courage in its gentle message, like a reassuring “You’ll be okay” from your future self.

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.

Yamagata Prefecture Sports Prefectural Anthem (Snow of Mount Gassan)Fujiyama Ichirō

Yamagata Prefecture Sports Prefectural Anthem

This piece was created in Yamagata Prefecture, the host site of the 32nd Track and Field Championships held in 1948 (Showa 23), to inspire enthusiasm for sports.

It is said to be a standard song played at elementary school sports days in Yamagata.

It is beloved by residents under titles such as “Yamagata Sports Prefectural Anthem,” “Prefectural Song,” and “Snow of Mt.

Gassan.”

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.