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

Akita HATA☆HATA☆ROCK & SAMBA!!Junya Watanabe

[High Quality] Akita HATA☆HATA☆ROCK & SAMBA!!

It’s a delightfully upbeat local song where the spirit of Akita bursts forth to the rhythms of rock and samba.

Created by singer-songwriter Jinya Watanabe from Akita Prefecture, the track was produced in October 2017 as part of the “Song and Picture CD” series and was also included on Nippon Columbia’s album Definitive Edition! Collection of Japanese Bon Odori.

Centering on the prefectural fish, the sandfish (hatahata), its sound blends melodies of Akita folk music with Latin rhythms and rock guitar—just listening to it lifts your spirits.

The lyrics humorously showcase landmarks and specialties from 25 cities, towns, and villages across the prefecture, making it a song brimming with local pride and affection.

Akita Events (feat. Toshirō Yanagiba, Ayako Fuji, Nozomi Sasaki & Akita Prefectural Association)Yu Takahashi

Yu Takahashi “Akita no Gyōji (feat. Toshiro Yanagiba, Ayako Fuji, Nozomi Sasaki & Akita Kenjinkai)” (Akita CARAVAN MUSIC FES theme song) Music Video

A number brimming with love for Akita and bursting with festival-like energy.

Crafted by Yu Takahashi, this pure Japanese-style pop tune blends J-pop with folk-song phrasing and the sounds of traditional instruments, setting listeners’ hearts dancing.

It also features a star-studded lineup of Akita-born artists, including Toshiro Yanagiba, Aya Shimazu, and Nozomi Sasaki.

The song was produced in September 2022 as the official theme for the Akita CARAVAN MUSIC FES.

Why not raise your voices together and sing it with friends who love Akita?

NamahageThe Human Chair

Ningen Isu / Namahage

This is a track that powerfully portrays a traditional event from Akita Prefecture with a heavy, weighty metal sound.

Originally included on the album “Burai Hōjō,” released in June 2014, it was later selected for the band’s career-spanning best-of compilation, “Ningen Isu Meisakusen: 30th Anniversary Best.” The way the Aomori-born members depict the culture of neighboring Akita may reflect a deep affection and respect for the Tohoku region as a whole.

Why not experience the distinctive atmosphere of Japanese folklore—and the prayers of the people behind it—through this exhilarating performance?

MasterRyuji Akiyama

Master

A master at a live music club told him, “You’ve got to go at least once,” and recommended Akita.

Despite his growing longing, he keeps getting blocked by trivial everyday happenings and, in the end, never manages to go—Akiyama Ryūji sings about this frustration with comical flair.

There’s a curious charm in how his earnest wish is somehow thwarted by familiar errands like keeping up with a TV drama series or trying a seasonal limited-time drink—situations that make you empathize and yet burst out laughing.

This song was born from a segment on Fuji TV’s “Omokuri Kantoku.” Many people who yearn to travel but end up overwhelmed by daily chores will likely feel as if the song is speaking directly about them.

Akita Ondo — AKITA ONDO — Bonjour Club MixAyako Fuji feat. m.c.A•T

Aya Fuji feat. m.c.A•T “Akita Ondo – AKITA ONDO – Bonjour Club Mix” Music Video (1 Chorus)

This is a collaboration track by Ayako Fuji, an enka singer from Akita, and m.

c.

A•T, a leading figure in Japan’s hip-hop scene.

The rap and danceable beats by m.

c.

A•T further highlight the appeal of folk songs that rhythmically sing about Akita’s climate and specialties, creating a sound brimming with festive energy.

Released as a single in January 2019, the song was performed on programs like NHK’s “Uta Kon,” garnering a huge response.

TOMO from DA PUMP choreographed the much-talked-about “Yakuyoke Dance”! It’s a song that conveys deep love for one’s hometown and a bold spirit to carry tradition into the future.

Akita Ponpon-bushiKaori Kouzai

Akita Pon Pon Bushi

Set in a fishing village in Akita, this folk-style song celebrates the rugged spirit of a man who lives by the sea and his deep love for his family.

The catchy, repeated “pon-pon” rhythm evokes the sound of a fishing boat’s engine and brings to mind the bustle of a busy harbor.

Released in August 2007 to commemorate Kaori Kozai’s 20th debut anniversary, the track was later included in the CD box set “20th Anniversary: Single Collection.” For those living away from their hometown, listening to it may conjure up local scenery and the faces of loved ones.

Land of Wind, AKITANami Nakagawa

[Land of Wind AKITA] Theme Song of the Local RPG 'Akita City Quest'

It’s a sweeping ballad that brings to mind Akita’s majestic nature and the warmth of the people who live there.

Vocals are by Nami Nakagawa, known for an insert song in Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba, and the generous use of the Akita dialect in the lyrics gently stirs listeners’ nostalgia.

The track is the official theme song for the local RPG “Akita City Quest,” released in July 2023.

The story of its production—reaching the crowdfunding goal of 33.

3 million yen—conveys the community’s high expectations and deep affection for Akita.