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[Songs of Gunma] Exquisite masterpieces that sing of Gunma’s nature and the spirit of its people
When you hear place names from Gunma, do a nostalgic melody and lyrics come to mind? Songs themed around Gunma Prefecture are wonderfully diverse—from children’s songs and traditional school songs to enka, J-pop, and anime tunes! Many masterpieces vividly portray the atmosphere of hot spring towns, the grandeur of the mountains, and everyday life, and just hearing them makes you want to visit Gunma.
In this article, we’ve gathered songs related to Gunma Prefecture.
Why not discover Gunma’s lesser-known charms through music?
[Songs of Gunma] A treasury of gems singing of Gunma’s nature and the spirit of its people (1–10)
Minna no Gunma, CHANCE!Lyrics by Yasushi Miyazawa / Music by Toshiya Arai
This track celebrates the 30th anniversary of Gunma Prefecture’s official mascot, Gunma-chan, and is a remake of a locally beloved dance tune.
The music was composed by Shunya Arai, a Gunma native known for his work in Shibuya-kei pop, while the lyrics were written by Yasushi Miyazawa, who made the unusual career shift from librarian to writer.
The lyrics are filled with Gunma’s natural beauty, warmth of its people, and the allure of its hot springs, vividly conjuring up the prefecture’s famous sights as you listen.
Released in December 2023 as a PR song for Gunma Prefecture, the piece was followed by a 1,000-person dance event in February 2024.
It’s a chance to rediscover the wonders of Gunma together with family and friends.
Maebashi Witches are insanely awesome!Maebashi Witches
This is a standout track featuring the powerful vocals of Maebashi Witches, a voice-actor idol group born from an anime set in Maebashi City, Gunma Prefecture.
The lyrics by Tsunku♂ playfully weave in the members’ names and different types of flowers under the theme of a flower fortune, creating a wordplay that feels like a jigsaw puzzle.
The song served as the opening theme for the anime Maebashi Witches, which aired starting in April 2025.
An event-limited edition was released earlier in September 2024, followed by the single in May 2025.
With its energetic, catchy melody, it’s the perfect pick-me-up when you need a little push.
Joshu KoikazeKaori Mizumori
A poignant love song set in Jōshū Gunma, sung by Kaori Mizumori, known as the “Queen of Local Songs.” You can picture a woman whose tears mingle with the winds blowing down from Mount Akagi as she walks alone along the stone steps of Ikaho and the brick paths of the Tomioka Silk Mill.
The track appears on the album Kayō Kikō 15: Echigo Suibara, released in September 2016.
The lyrics skillfully weave in Gunma’s beautiful scenery and atmosphere, and the travel-evoking melody dramatizes her heartrending journey.
What a nice bath.Duke Aces
“Ii Yu da na,” known as the ending theme of The Drifters’ TV show “It’s 8 o’clock! Everyone Gather,” actually originated as one of 52 songs produced between 1965 and 1969 with lyrics by Rokusuke Ei, music by Taku Izumi, and vocals by Duke Aces, each themed on one of Japan’s 47 prefectures.
In this piece, Kusatsu—Gunma Prefecture’s proud hot spring resort—is featured as one of the many ‘great baths’ found across the country.
Nishifuji Parkback number
This is a classic song by back number set in a real park located in Ota City, Gunma Prefecture, the hometown of vocalist Iyori Shimizu.
Against the clear air of winter, the frustration of being unable to express one’s feelings to someone you love and the growing heartache are portrayed through a crystal-clear melody.
The track is included on their indie-era mini album “Nogashita Sakana,” released in February 2009.
It’s so beloved by fans that it was later re-recorded for the best-of album “Encore.” When you’re holding your feelings for someone dear close to your chest, listening to this song may gently stay by your side.
MY CITYDOTAMA
Known as the “pinnacle of disses in glasses” for his razor-sharp words in MC battles, DOTAMA expresses a warm love for his hometown in this work through rap.
Over a rhythmic beat, he speaks about familiar cityscapes and local specialties, as well as the shifting realities of regional cities and the gentle gaze he casts upon the people who live there.
His straightforward hometown pride is enough to make you feel nostalgic for your own roots just by listening.
Released in October 2018, this track was produced as the official promotional song for Sano City in Tochigi Prefecture, DOTAMA’s birthplace.
I love Gunma.yoshimi
This is a pop tune brimming with hometown pride by yoshimi, a singer-songwriter from Gunma Prefecture.
The lyrics pack in local specialties and famous spots—like Mizusawa udon, yakimanju, and the hot springs of Kusatsu and Ikaho—so the answer to “What’s Gunma known for?” is distilled into this one song.
Its buoyant melody, enjoyable for both kids and adults, also leaves a strong impression.
Following the album Takaramono, this track was released on CD in July 2013.
It’s truly a song that could be called the face of the prefecture.
It’s also a great pick to boost that “traveling to Gunma” feeling.