[Songs of Aomori] A collection of local songs depicting the grandeur of nature and the warmth of its people.
The fertile fields and the Tsugaru Plain stretching serenely, the majestic Hakkoda Mountains, and the grand Sea of Japan.
Songs born from Aomori’s nature-rich land are loved not only by its residents but by many people far and wide.
In this article, we introduce captivating pieces woven with Aomori’s scenery and sentiment—from local songs cherished by the community, to popular ballads set in Aomori, to hometown tunes by artists hailing from the prefecture.
Please enjoy them while reflecting on the land of Aomori and the hometown that resides in each of our hearts.
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[Aomori Songs] A collection of local tunes depicting majestic nature and the warmth of its people (21–30)
Chiekko YosareChieko Kishi
A song released in 1985 by Chieko Kishi, a folk singer from Tsugaru.
It’s an upbeat number that channels the spirit and pride of people from Tsugaru.
Her energetic style of singing while dashing around the stage became known as “shaking folk” and drew attention, and her friendly banter in the Tsugaru dialect was well received.
She went on to appear in the Kōhaku Uta Gassen in 1988.
Tappi Misaki LighthouseYuki Nishio
A single by Yuki Nishio released in October 2013 (Heisei 25).
Also known as an impressionist/impersonation entertainer, she hails from Hirosaki in Aomori Prefecture.
She has previously released songs related to northern towns, such as “Tsugaru Hana Ichimonme,” and this was her first hometown-themed enka in some time.
[Songs of Aomori] A collection of local songs depicting majestic nature and the warmth of its people (31–40)
Hometown of TsugaruHibari Misora
The B-side of Hibari Misora’s single “Umakko Sensei,” released in January 1953 (Showa 28).
Riding the momentum of the previous year’s massive hit “Ringo Oiwake,” a song set in Tsugaru was released.
Even as a B-side, it has been loved by many and continues to be sung today in retro music specials.
Nostalgic JonkaraTakashi Hosokawa
A single by Takashi Hosokawa released in August 1985 (Showa 60).
Set to a folk-style melody that showcases Hosokawa’s vocal prowess, the lyrics express his feelings for his hometown of Tsugaru.
It is one of Hosokawa’s signature songs, performed four times on the NHK Kouhaku Uta Gassen.
O-Suzuyo the outcastAkira Kobayashi
A track from Akira Kobayashi’s album “Aishū Rettō: Jūnin no Onna-tachi,” released in February 1979 (Showa 54).
The album is composed of 12 regional songs.
“Yosare” refers to the traditional “Yosare-bushi.” Backed by Tsugaru shamisen, it features a long spoken monologue, and as you’d expect from an actor, his expressiveness is outstanding.
Flowers of TsugaruYuri Harada
A single by Yuri Harada released in February 1999.
It’s a bright enka song that depicts spring in Tsugaru.
Yuri Harada previously had hits such as “Kisoji no Onna,” and despite the slump in enka, this became her first long-running hit in a while, earning her a debut appearance on the NHK Kouhaku Uta Gassen.
Mount IwakiHiroshi Miyama
Hiroshi Miyama made his CD debut in 2010.
“O Iwakisan,” released in February 2015, is his seventh single.
Mount Iwaki is a solitary peak located in and around Hirosaki City, also known as the Tsugaru Fuji.
Unlike his previous releases since his debut, this song has a different style, conveying a masculine sense of scale.
It peaked at number 13 on the Oricon Weekly Chart, and he made his first appearance at the year-end NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen with this song.