[Songs of Fukushima] Thinking of my hometown | A heartwarming collection of classic songs celebrating the beautiful “Fukushima”

Beyond the cloudsShinji Tanimura

Beyond the Clouds - Nihon University Tohoku High School (Reconstruction Support Music Festival)

The song by Shinji Tanimura, woven from 825 messages of thoughts for Fukushima, warmly embraces the hearts of the people striving for recovery after the Great East Japan Earthquake.

Through natural motifs like the sky and clouds, the hopes of those seeking to overcome hardship and their wishes for renewal are sung over Tanimura’s uniquely grand yet delicate melodic lines.

Released in March 2017 as part of the Challenge Fukushima Project, this work also became well-loved as the 11th installment of Fukushima Prefecture’s documentary animation series “Letters to the Future.” It is a song that stands beside all who hold their hometowns dear, and those who, even while facing adversity, choose to keep moving forward—offering steadfast support to the heart.

Familiar TrainManami

[Official] Familiar Train / MANAMI — Official Support Song for the Iizaka Line

This is a song by MANAMI that invites you on a soothing melodic journey filled with love and warmth for one’s hometown.

Set along the Fukushima Kotsu Iizaka Line, its lyrics gently depict local scenery and everyday life, while MANAMI’s clear, translucent voice matches perfectly to deliver nostalgia and comfort to listeners.

Included on the album “Fukushima Egao 2,” released in November 2021, this track is a beloved local song and the officially endorsed support song of the Fukushima Kotsu Iizaka Line.

It’s highly recommended for anyone living away from home or for all who hold their hometown dear.

Flowers will bloom.Lyrics by Shunji Iwai / Music by Yoko Kanno

Rio Suzuki / “Flowers Will Bloom” by Parent and Child

A heartwarming charity song created to support the areas and people affected by the Great East Japan Earthquake.

Composed by Shunji Iwai and Yoko Kanno, both from Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture, the song is written from the perspective of those who lost their lives in the disaster, as a message to the survivors.

Released in May 2012, it was repeatedly featured in NHK programs related to the earthquake and has become cherished as a symbol of recovery.

Even as many years pass since the disaster, it remains a song we want to keep listening to while thinking of our hometown and the family living far away.

Born in that townToshiyuki Nishida

Toshiyuki Nishida – Born in That Town [Official Audio]

The poetry spun by Yasushi Akimoto and the warm singing voice of Toshiyuki Nishida overlap, stirring a deep longing for a distant hometown.

Released in June 2011, about three months after the Great East Japan Earthquake, this gem of a ballad was issued by King Records as the coupling track to “Baton Touch.” It embodies Mr.

Nishida’s feelings for his home of Fukushima Prefecture, and when he performed it on that year’s Kouhaku Uta Gassen, it moved many viewers.

A song that offers solace to those living away from their hometowns or those who have lost a cherished place.

Surrender yourself to the gentle melody and warm vocals, and feel the unchanging tenderness of your hometown, no matter how far away you may be.

Promise of SmilesSakura Koshio

Sakura Koshio “Promise of a Smile” (Full) [Official] (Included on 3rd Album “Our Things”)

A heartwarming message song by Sakura Koshio, filled with love for her hometown Fukushima and hopes for its recovery.

Released in April 2016, five years after the Great East Japan Earthquake, this track is included on the mini-album “Our Things” and was produced with full cooperation from Aizuwakamatsu City.

Its music video, featuring local residents volunteering their participation, also became a talking point.

The powerful vocals of the chorus group VOXRAY—whom she met at the recovery event “Fukkonsai”—leave a strong impression.

It’s a song that supports those who, even from afar, continue to think of their hometown and hold on to hope for the future.

Your hand and my handIroha

Don't be defeated by the Great East Japan Earthquake! Fukushima cheering song Iroha's 'Your Hand and My Hand'

This is a heartwarming recovery support song by Iroha, singing of hope and bonds to overcome the tragedy of the Great East Japan Earthquake.

Set to gentle accompaniment of acoustic guitar and piano, the tender harmonies of two male vocalists strike a deep chord.

Self-released in 2011, the work was born as a “Fukushima Support Song,” wishing for the prefecture’s recovery.

Amid the confusion and sorrow of the disaster, Zenji created it with the desire to use music to encourage people, even if only a little.

Recorded at “Studio Iyashine no Mori” in Shiga Prefecture, it became a gem of a ballad that conveys the importance of supporting one another.

Fukushima SmileManami

[Official] Fukushima Egao / MANAMI

This is a warm, heartfelt song by MANAMI, filled with the desire to bring love and smiles to Fukushima.

Since the earthquake and tsunami, there has been a strong wish to restore the smiles that have diminished, which is expressed through melodies that touch the heart and uplifting lyrics.

The track is the title song of the album “Fukushima Egao,” released in December 2018, and it was used as the theme song for KFB Fukushima Broadcasting’s information program “Yojidesu” from April 2017 to September 2019.

It’s a perfect song not only for people living in Fukushima Prefecture, but also for those who have left their hometowns, and for anyone who can relate to the feeling of cherishing important people and places.