Lovely nursery rhymes, folk songs, and children's songs

[Songs of Aomori] A collection of local songs depicting the grandeur of nature and the warmth of its people.

Accompanist / Piano InstructorYuri
Accompanist pianist × piano instructor × web writer. I began piano lessons at age four and, inspired by my piano teacher, decided to pursue music. I went on to specialized music programs in high school and university, where I discovered the appeal of accompanying instrumentalists and singers. Currently, alongside teaching piano, I work mainly in my home region of Aichi as an accompanist for flute, voice, choir, and more. Through lessons, my students often introduce me to trending songs, and my hobby is trying anything on the piano—Japanese and Western pop, commercial jingles, and beyond. Since 2021, I’ve also been active as a web writer, covering music and a variety of other genres.

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.

[Songs of Aomori] A collection of local songs depicting majestic nature and the warmth of its people (31–40)

Tsugaru OtokomaeKumiko Ishigami

Kumiko Ishigami_Tsugaru no Joppari

Kumiko Ishigami, the Tsugaru handsome man

A single by enka singer Kumiko Ishigami, released in August 2001 (Heisei 13).

After debuting in 1986 (Showa 61) with “Tsugaru no Joppari,” she went on to release many songs related to Tsugaru.

At the time of her debut, she was anticipated as one of the “Lively Trio” alongside contemporaries Fuyumi Sakamoto and Kumi Iwamoto.

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A Melancholy Road on the Shimokita PeninsulaNobue Matsubara

[Official] Nobue Matsubara “Shimokita Peninsula Aishūji (Melancholy Road)” [MV Full Chorus]

Nostalgic Road of the Shimokita Peninsula — Nobue Matsubara

A masterful performance by Nobue Matsubara, who gives voice to a soul-stirring poem passed down in the land of Mutsu.

Interweaving imagery of the harsh northern sea winds, lighthouses, and Kandachime horses, it beautifully conveys both aching longing and steadfast resolve.

Released in January 2025, this gem of an enka song was crafted by lyricist Shinichi Ishihara and composer Tetsuya Gen.

It’s a piece that resonates deeply with those who have faced partings in life or wish to confront their own feelings.

Celebrating her 45th debut anniversary, Nobue Matsubara’s voice delivers profound emotion alongside the spirit of the Shimokita Peninsula.

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Tsurunomai BridgeShohei Nariyo

Tsurunomai Bridge

Tsurunomai Bridge Narise Shohei

A song released in August 2004 (Heisei 16).

Shohei Naruse is well known for works like “Hagure Kokiriko,” released in 1999 (Heisei 11) and inspired by folk music from Toyama.

In this piece, however, he crafts a unique world using as its motif the Tsuru-no-Mai Bridge, which spans Tsugaru Fujimi Lake in western Aomori.

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Northern Beach SongYuko Maki

[Promotional Video] Yuko Maki / Kita no Hama Uta (Song of the Northern Shore)

Kita no Hamasong Maki Yufuko

Yufuko Maki is an enka singer who debuted in the first year of the Heisei era with the song “Inochi-bana.” “Kita no Hama Uta” is a single released in September of Heisei 23 (2011).

Over her long career she has also recorded local songs about Aomori, such as “Shimokita Peninsula,” but in “Kita no Hama Uta” she sings about a romance set in Tsugaru.

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Shimokita Fishing PortIchiro Toba

Shimokita Fishing Port

Shimokita Fishing Port Toba Ichiro

A single by Ichiro Toba released in June 1984 (Showa 59).

Since debuting in 1982 (Showa 57) with “Kyodai-bune” (Brother Ship), Toba has sung many songs themed around fishing ports and fishermen across the country.

With a fisherman father and an ama (female diver) mother, he delivers his performances with a strong sense of realism.

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[Songs of Aomori] A collection of local songs depicting the grandeur of nature and the warmth of its people (41–50)

Gono LineKaori Mizumori

Gonō Line - Kaori Mizumori

Kaori Mizumori Gono Line

Kaori Mizumori’s 13th single, released in April 2005 (Heisei 17).

She was already known as the “Queen of Regional Songs,” and this track—modeled on the Gono Line that connects the Sea of Japan coasts of Aomori and Akita—also became a hit.

At the end of the year, she won the Japan Record Award for Best Vocal Performance with this song.

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Shimokita PeninsulaSayaka Kamizono

Lost Road ♪ Song by Sayaka Kamizono

Sayaka Kamizono, Shimokita Peninsula

Sayaka Kamizono is an enka singer who debuted in 2003 (Heisei 15).

She drew attention for being a high school student at the time and also won the Newcomer Award at the Japan Record Awards.

“Shimokita Peninsula” is the B-side track to the single “Ashizuri Misaki,” released in April 2005 (Heisei 17).

It’s an enka song that depicts the harsh climate of Shimokita.

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