A famous song about Fukuoka. The heart of the hometown passed down through song.
There are plenty of songs themed around different places, but have you ever felt there are especially many about Fukuoka?
There are lots of famous artists from Fukuoka, aren’t there?
They pour their hometown pride into their music and release it into the world.
Here are some recommended masterpieces and popular tracks from among the many songs themed around Fukuoka.
Enjoy this gem-filled playlist by wonderful artists brimming with love for their hometown!
A classic song celebrating Fukuoka. The enduring spirit of our hometown, passed down through song (1–10)
Touch and changeSpitz
Spitz, who have continued to perform on the front lines and are beloved across generations.
Their song “Sawat-te Kawatte” (“Touch Me, Change Me”) is the band’s 25th single, released in 2001.
Since Spitz’s vocalist, Masamune Kusano, is from Fukuoka, Tenjin Station in Fukuoka appears in the opening lyrics.
It’s become something of a sacred spot among Spitz fans.
Kusano’s refreshing vocals are wonderful, of course, but the drums and rhythm section between verses make this a very pleasing track to the ear.
The Correct CityRingo Sheena
“Correct Town,” included on Ringo Sheena’s debut album Innocence Moratorium released in 1999.
It’s a fan favorite that expresses the feelings from the time she parted ways with her lover when moving to Tokyo.
While the overall image of the song suggests a woman coolly setting off on a journey, the lyrics convey reluctance and pain.
It’s a departure song that projects the complex emotions and inner conflict of an 18-year-old.
I like you.MISIA
At the 2021 NHK Kouhaku Uta Gassen, MISIA headlined the show, captivating listeners across generations with her voice.
While her ballads and emotionally stirring songs are especially memorable, her up-tempo, cheerful tracks are also very cute.
As the title suggests, this song, “Suitotto,” is sung entirely in Hakata dialect.
Hakata-ben is popular as a cute dialect, isn’t it? This song was also the commemorative theme for the 90th anniversary of NHK Fukuoka Broadcasting Station.
It’s an adorable Hakata-ben tune that both adults and children can enjoy.
Orange Trainandymori
andymori is a three-piece band that, though much missed, disbanded in 2014.
The song Orange Train is one track from their second album, Fanfare and Enthusiasm, released in 2010.
As the title suggests, it conjures up an image of a train bathed in the orange light of dusk and puts you in a laid-back mood.
It would be perfect to listen to while swaying on an evening train.
The lyrics mention the Chikuhō Main Line, which is a JR Kyushu line in Hakata.
Fukuoka WalkerNatural Radio Station
This song “Fukuoka WALKER,” performed by the reggae duo Natural Radio Station from Fukuoka/Hakata, is included on their 2007 indie mini-album “Arigatou” (“Thank You”).
Bursting with energy right from the intro shout of the Yamakasa festival’s “Oissa!,” the track enthusiastically spotlights Fukuoka’s famous landmarks, delicious foods, and all the city’s best features.
It’s so thorough you could practically use it as a guide for sightseeing in Fukuoka (lol).
There’s also a “COVID-19 remix version” of the song—why not give that a listen too?
Go forth, Young Hawks Battalion!AAA
“Iza Yuke Wakataka Gundan,” the Fukuoka Daiei Hawks’ fight song that’s said to be heard all over Fukuoka, is a powerful track with lyrics chosen from public submissions to cheer on the Hawks.
Over the years, various versions have been recorded: one sung by players themselves, another titled “Iza Yuke Wakataka Gundan 2007” performed by AAA, and in 2019—marking the 30th anniversary of the team’s move to Fukuoka—a deluxe version featuring an all-star lineup of artists from Fukuoka was released.
Hakata Pure Love SongAi Kawashima
Before debuting as a singer, Ai Kawashima was active performing on the streets and was known as the “Angel of the Streets.” This song is delivered in full-on Hakata dialect, yet it never feels tacky; instead, it honestly conveys the thrill and awkwardness of returning home after a long time and meeting your lover.
It’s a very straightforward love song that truly tugs at the heart.