[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.

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.”

Gatta YamagataKatte ni Kankō Kyōkai

[Studio ver.] Yamagata Prefecture local song “Gatta Yamagata” PV

This is a song by the Self-Styled Tourism Association that humorously portrays Yamagata’s landmarks and culture from a traveler’s perspective.

Scenes from a visit to Yamadera, the flow of the Mogami River, and local specialties like human shogi and imoni stew are depicted with playful onomatopoeia.

It’s as if the local energy comes alive—just listening naturally lifts your spirits.

The track was included on the album “Self-Styled Tourism Association,” released in February 2008, and is also beloved in the prefecture’s tourism promotions.

For anyone planning a trip to Yamagata, it’s sure to heighten the excitement.

Raised in YamagataYamaguchi Iwao

Raised in Yamagata

Crafted by Iwao Yamaguchi, this piece features lyrics in the Yamagata dialect that feel disarmingly simple and gently seep into the heart.

As a dialect scholar himself, Yamaguchi paints everyday local scenes and unadorned people so vividly that you can almost see them.

The track was included on the July 2019 album “Yamagata Spirit,” and in response to fan requests, a “Yamagata Spirit: Special Edition” with additions like a live version was released in August 2023.

If you’re a bit worn out by city life or find yourself thinking of home late at night, listening to it might just lighten your heart.

Shonai Plaintachibana keiko

Shonai Plain

This is a melancholic travel-themed enka that evokes the image of the sun setting into the Sea of Japan.

Its single-minded love—so deep the singer declares there would be no regrets even if life were on the line—is rendered through Keiko Tachibana’s richly expressive voice.

The Shonai landscapes, such as the Mogami River and the Atsumi Morning Market, may in fact heighten the protagonist’s helpless, aching sorrow.

Released as a single in September 2024, this song will resonate deeply with those who wish to reminisce about their hometown scenery or immerse themselves in a mature love story.

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.