[Akita Songs] A Collection of Gem-Like Local Tunes Filled with Love for Hometowns

O star maiden,Kiyohiko Ozaki

Kiyohiko Ozaki - Star Girl

This is a grand, large-scale piece created as the image song for Ogata Village in Akita Prefecture.

Kiyohiko Ozaki’s overwhelming vocal power beautifully overlaps with the village’s vast night sky.

Amid the loneliness of parting, its romantic worldview resonates with a sense of hope for the future.

The song was produced in 1992 to commemorate the 25th anniversary of Ogata Village and was included on the single “Furusato no Satsuki,” released in April 1995.

For those striving away from their hometown, listening while gazing up at the night sky will surely set their hearts aflame.

This is Ayako's hometown pride.Ayako Fuji

This is Ayako's hometown pride.

It’s a truly signature track that made a striking impression as the opening chapter of Tomoyasu Hotei’s solo career.

The fusion of industrial beats and razor-sharp guitar riffs delivers a shock that shatters listeners’ preconceptions.

This challenging sound is the embodiment of his philosophy of “Guitarhythm,” which pioneers new possibilities for the guitar.

The song is the title track of his milestone debut album, GUITARHYTHM, released in October 1988.

Many were likely astonished by the sheer scale—recorded at a prestigious British studio just six months after BOØWY disbanded.

When you’re ready to take a new step forward, bathing in this shower of sound will give you the courage to carve out the future.

The Unwearying SongToshiro Yanagiba

[Official Akita Prefecture] #01 “Akinai Song” ~ All-in-One PR Video Showcasing Akita’s Charms ~

This is a PR song for Akita, featuring the powerful singing voice of actor Toshiro Yanagiba, who hails from Akita.

Just listening to it brings to mind the lush greenery of Akita and the delicious rice from this famed rice-growing region.

If you were born and raised in Akita, it might make you long to return home and think, “I want to go back to Akita.”

City of InvitationYu Tsukumo

City of Invitation “Including Akita Prefectural Anthem” Yu Tsukumo

Beloved by locals and visitors to the fireworks festival, “Izanai no Machi” is the song played during the finale of Ōmagari Fireworks, which colors the end of summer in Akita.

It’s a piece by singer-songwriter Yuu Tsukumo.

Many say, “When I listen to this song, a wave of nostalgia washes over me and I want to go back to Akita,” reflecting how deeply it has taken root among the people of Akita.

HachirogataOWL-E

OWL-E “Hachirogata” MV (Prod. BERABOW)

OWL-E is a reggae and hip-hop singer from Hachirōgata in Akita Prefecture.

This song is a cheering anthem for those who have left their hometown of Hachirōgata.

The lyrics feature numerous local spots that every local would recognize, and weave in a warm message: “If life in the big city wears you out, you can always come back.” It’s a track that gently embraces not only people from Hachirōgata, but anyone who longs for their hometown.

Namahage BrothersSelf-styled Tourism Association

[Unofficial Tourism Association] Akita Prefecture Local Song “Namahage Brothers”

This is a song about Namahage from the unit “Katte ni Kanko Kyokai” by Jun Miura and Hajime Anzai.

The wistful melody matches the theme of “Namahage,” doesn’t it? Not only does it portray the Namahage, but it also features many of Akita Prefecture’s famous sights and specialties—another notable point.

The answer to “What is Akita known for?” is encapsulated in this one song.

Uppercase GirlReina

Capital Letter Girl – Rena

It’s a love song by the Akita rock band “Reina,” about a bittersweet long-distance relationship between Akita and Kyoto.

Reina’s other songs also mention place names in Akita and have a strong local flavor, so be sure to check them out.

If you’re from the area, it’s guaranteed to hit even harder—especially