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

Sakata Rice CrackersYamamoto Rinda

The song by Linda Yamamoto, produced as a TV commercial jingle, humorously introduces Yamagata Prefecture’s specialties.

Known for the catchy phrase “Komacchauna” (“I’m in a fix”), Yamamoto’s charming vocals and the upbeat rhythm make a strong impression.

Aired in the 1970s, the commercial caught the attention of many viewers as color television became widespread, helping boost the recognition of Yamagata’s local products.

Yamamoto’s distinctive voice and expressive delivery effectively convey the appeal of the goods.

This track is recommended not only for those who want to feel the charm and hometown spirit of Yamagata, but also for anyone interested in Showa-era commercial songs.

Hometown, I want to see you.Kudō Ayano

Ayano Kudo: "Hometown, I Miss You"

For those who have a hometown to return to, this song seems to evoke the scenes of their own homeland.

Centered around the Mogami River, it sings of memories fondly recalled—mountain ranges familiar since childhood, the countryside where the sun set—while also expressing the longing for a hometown that soothes the soul, even though one cannot return every year.

Hymn to ZaoSatō Makoto

Mixed Chorus Suite “Zao”: 1. Hymn to Zao — Makoto Sato

Zao, a choral suite for mixed chorus composed in 1961 while he was still a student, is by composer Makoto Sato, renowned for “Daichi Sansho” (Hymn to the Earth).

The first movement, “Zao Sanka” (Hymn to Zao), is particularly notable for its bright, uplifting character, evoking the refreshing spring scenery of the Zao mountain range.

Even after many years since its premiere, it remains a beloved piece among numerous choirs—a masterpiece inspired by Yamagata.

Love-Waiting FlowerAsada Atsuko

Koi Machi Hana (Karaoke) Atsuko Asada

The safflower, the flower of Yamagata Prefecture, yields threads in various shades depending on the different extraction liquids used, and is woven into cotton, silk, and summer kimono.

In the song, the protagonist wears a safflower–shibori yukata and longs for a man she met as a traveler.

Atsuko Asada became a singer after winning numerous karaoke competitions, which caught the attention of a talent scout; she debuted in 1994.

Perhaps because she is from the Kansai region, she often sings songs themed around Kansai.

Thank you (in Yamagata dialect)ogura kei

♪Oshōshina by Kei Ogura

“Oshōshina” isn’t a familiar word in standard Japanese, but in Yamagata it might be one of the most popular expressions.

Its meaning is interpreted as “thank you,” though there seems to be a slight nuance difference from how it’s used locally.

This is a song composed by Kei Ogura, who is also active as a singer-songwriter, using Yonezawa as its theme.

In each and every lyric, you can feel people’s warmth and kindness.

Moon MountainKishi Yoko

Moon Mountain ~ Yoko Kishi

Mount Gassan is located in the central part of Yamagata Prefecture.

Its foothills are renowned for the Gassan Foothills Spring Group, and the mountain is also known by the alternative name “sacred mountain.” One of the suites composed from Atsushi Mori’s Akutagawa Prize–winning novel Gassan is “Mountain of the Moon.” Yoko Kishi, who was born in Sakata City, Yamagata Prefecture, is said to have put great passion into this song.

A Petal of Cherry BlossomMogamigawa Tsukasa

Tsukasa Mogamigawa – A Petal of Cherry Blossom

You can tell where he’s from just by his stage name.

Tsukasa Mogamigawa is being promoted as a visual-kei enka singer.

Although this song doesn’t directly mention place names in Yamagata Prefecture, Tsukasa has said that the environment where he was born and raised was incredibly beautiful when the cherry blossoms were in full bloom.

A devoted grandson, he once shared that while he was on a short trip, his grandfather passed away, and he couldn’t be there at his last moments—he said he cried his eyes out.

Using that hometown as the theme, he likens the parting of never being able to meet again to cherry blossom petals.

Both the lyrics and the music are by Tsukasa Mogamigawa himself.

There are famous spots called “Senbonzakura” (a thousand cherry trees) all over Japan; in Yamagata Prefecture, the cherry blossoms around Eboshiyama Park are well-known.