A classic song that celebrates Fukui. The enduring spirit of our hometown passed down through song.
This is a special feature on songs themed around Fukui Prefecture, which faces the Sea of Japan and Wakasa Bay.
Fukui, frequently referenced in enka and folk songs—led by the famous sightseeing spot Tojinbo—is a place rich in nature and full of travel charm and atmosphere.
By the end of this feature, you’ll no doubt want to visit Fukui, and if you live there, you’ll likely grow even fonder of it.
You might even discover a surprising connection—“Wait, this person has a song about Fukui?!”
Be sure to read through to the end!
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A famous song about Fukui. The enduring spirit of our hometown, passed down through song (11–20)
Echizen Love WomanKozue Takemura
Kozue Takemura’s single “Echizen Koi Onna” is a song that intertwines the Echizen region of Fukui Prefecture with the emotion of romance.
Released on October 6, 2015, it marked a shining milestone in her career.
The piece powerfully yet delicately portrays the feelings of a woman troubled by love, making it highly relatable.
It also conveys Fukui’s beautiful nature and inner landscapes through her exquisite voice, moving listeners with its passion.
It just might become the cheer song for your own romance!
Alone on the Sea of JapanIshihara Junko
Although it shares the Sea of Japan in the title, “Aishu Nihonkai” has different lyrics; still, it follows the same journey of a heartbroken traveler, singing from Wakasa in Fukui Prefecture through Noto in Ishikawa to Niigata Prefecture.
Raised in a family of shigin (Japanese poetic recitation) masters, Ayako Ishihara became an assistant master of the Isui school of shigin at the age of 12.
From her debut, she reportedly aimed to become an enka singer with the powerful resonant style—like Fuyumi Sakamoto’s signature vocal ‘unari-bushi.
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Echizen ShigureGoro Kagami
It’s an enka song that really captivates the listener.
The prefectural flower of Fukui is the daffodil, and there’s also a park called Echizen Misaki Suisen Land.
Using the word “shigure” to describe the Sea of Japan and Echizen evokes the image of tears.
The reason this singer’s son became fairly well-known is that a radio program put out a call for letters from the children of struggling enka singers, and Goro Kagami’s son began appearing regularly by phone and such.
It all came from his desire to see his father become successful.
The Flow of the Kuzuryu RiverNaoto Nambu
The Kuzuryu River is a first-class river that flows through the Reihoku region of Fukui Prefecture, and its drainage basin astonishingly accounts for 70% of the prefecture’s total area.
As you would expect, the Kuzuryu River is a symbol for the people of Fukui, and like this song, it has a rich history; it is like a mother, and the song expresses the people of Fukui’s love for their homeland.
Hokuriku Main LineMakoto Daichi
The song Hokuriku Main Line, included on Makoto Daichi’s single Hamazakaba / Hokuriku Main Line, is a track that conveys a deep love for Fukui Prefecture.
Since its release on August 4, 2010, it has been listened to by many people.
With lyrics by Kyosuke Kuni and music by Yuu Hijikawa, the melody—paired with a story of parting and reunion—resonates with listeners.
This tale of traveling the rails, carrying a bittersweet longing for one’s hometown, is recommended not only for those familiar with Fukui but also for those who have yet to visit.
Savor the charms of Fukui through Makoto Daichi’s vocals!
Wakasa Love SongSatoko Yamamoto
Songs with crisp, dynamic vocals and clear diction are among the easiest to listen to in the enka genre.
Wakasa Bay appears in song lyrics in various ways, but perhaps because the image of harsh winter waves is so strong, it often serves as the backdrop for enduring love or cutting ties with lingering feelings after a breakup.
In reality, though, it’s also a place that looks like a fun tourist destination.
A classic song about Fukui. The heart of our hometown, passed down through song (21–30)
Danneeza: A Song in the Fukui DialectFukui Cable Television
It’s a song sung wholeheartedly in the Fukui dialect over a bright, rhythmic tune, but the lyrics are very long and I probably can’t make it through the whole thing.
“Danneeza” means “that’s fine” or “it’s okay” in an affirmative sense, and in this song it’s used to mean “no problem.” Regional dialects are true treasures, aren’t they?