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

[Songs of Gunma] Exquisite masterpieces that sing of Gunma’s nature and the spirit 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.

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)

Sano-maru OndoDiamond Yukai

Official video of the Sanomaru Ondo

Sanomaru Ondo Diamond☆Yukai

This exceptionally cheerful local folk-odori song was written and composed by Diamond☆Yukai, who’s best known for his rock singer image.

Released in July 2016, it’s the official song of Sano City in Tochigi Prefecture and is also known for closing the Tochigi TV gourmet program “Diamond☆Yukai and the Delightful Ramen Laboratory.” The lyrics parade local specialties like Sano ramen and potato fries one after another—just listening might make you hungry.

Celebrating hometown scenery and the warmth of its people, the song is sure to resonate with those who love their local community.

It’s a friendly classic that makes you want to dance together at festivals.

Raise the rankinglower

Wind of JōshūSelf-styled Tourism Association

Local Song of Gunma Prefecture “Jōshū no Kaze” / Unofficial Tourism Association

Joshu Wind Unofficial Tourism Association

This playful Gunma song was created by the duo “Katteni Kanko Kyokai” (Self-Appointed Tourism Association), consisting of Jun Miura and Hajime Anzai.

Set to an upbeat, lively melody, the lyrics uniquely introduce a parade of Gunma-related figures such as Chuji Kunisada, Chiaki Mukai, and Monjiro Kogarashi.

The track is included on the album “Katteni Kanko Kyokai Vol.

1,” released in February 2008.

Listening to this while driving along the Joshu roads swept by the karakkaze winds will put you in the best of spirits! It’s a highly recommended song for anyone who wants to experience Gunma’s spirit and local character through music.

Raise the rankinglower

Gunma TwilightKeiko Fuji

Gunma Twilight ★ Keiko Fuji

Gunma Twilight - Keiko Fuji

It’s an enka song steeped in melancholy, one that vividly evokes the twilight scenery of Gunma.

Keiko Fuji—whose debut album set a record with 20 consecutive weeks at number one—delivers a deeply penetrating, husky vocal that perfectly matches that sudden pang of loneliness you feel while traveling.

This piece was included on the 1988 EP “Tabiji” (The Journey).

Its travel-tinged melody can stir a sense of nostalgia even in listeners with no connection to Gunma.

It’s a gem you’ll want to savor at dusk, lost in thought.

Raise the rankinglower

[Songs of Gunma] Exquisite masterpieces that sing of Gunma’s nature and the spirit of its people (11–20)

GunmaMai Sato

Mai Sato - Gunma - MUSIC VIDEO -

Mai Satō from Gunma

This is a hometown-loving work by Mai Sato, a singer-songwriter from Shibukawa City, Gunma Prefecture, who says she “made it out of an overwhelming love for her home, Gunma.” Rather than relying on external assessments like attractiveness rankings, it conveys the pure pride felt by the people who live there, directly and sincerely, through warm piano tones and a clear, strong vocal performance.

The piece was included on the 2019 album “GUNMA.

"Gunma." It was also selected as the official theme song for the Gunma Programming Award, suggesting how deeply it is cherished by the local community.

Raise the rankinglower

Taisho Bridge SongMai Sato

Song of Taisho Bridge / Mai Sato / Original / Gunma

The Song of Taisho Bridge by Mai Sato

This is a lyrical song by Mai Sato that sings of her childhood memories in her hometown, Shibukawa City, Gunma Prefecture.

Memories of crossing the Taisho Bridge to visit her grandparents and scenes of the steam locomotive she saw there are sung over gentle piano tones.

True to the story that she “sang it in one heartfelt take,” her unadorned, straightforward voice is deeply moving.

The piece was also performed during her solo piano-and-vocal tour starting in July 2025, warming the hearts of many who long for their hometowns.

For those living far away, listening to it may bring back sudden images of familiar landscapes and the smiles of family.

Raise the rankinglower

Squeeze the ∞ ribbon tight ∞Aya Uchida

Squeeze the Infinity Ribbon ∞ (Gunma-chan Dance) / Aya Uchida

Squeeze the Infinity Ribbon ∞ Aya Uchida

This is the official character song of the prefecture, sung by voice actor Aya Uchida, who hails from Gunma.

The song’s themes are ribbons that connect people’s hearts and love that expands infinitely, and Uchida—who serves as a Gunma Special Ambassador—conveys that message directly with her warm vocals.

Produced to coincide with the “Gunmachan Birthday Party” in February 2021, the piece also features choreography that incorporates the prefecture’s shape, known as the “crane pose,” which is a highlight.

For those with ties to Gunma, simply listening may bring the scenery of your hometown to mind and fill you with warmth.

Raise the rankinglower

Jōshū Broken Straw HatKeisuke Yamauchi

Joshu Torn Straw Hat / Keisuke Yamauchi cover by Shin

Joshu Yaburegasa by Kenosuke Yamauchi

With the mountains of Haruna and Akagi in view, this travel-infused song portrays a lone traveler walking along the Jōshū road as dead leaves dance in the wind.

Through Keisuke Yamauchi’s sharp, cutting vocals, the harshness of a life lived in concealment and the fervent passion kept deep in the heart are powerfully conveyed.

The narrative-like phrasing and lyrical melody overlap with the protagonist’s burdened melancholy, drawing you irresistibly into its story world.

The track is included on the EP “Sarase Fuyu no Arashi (Namida-ban),” released in June 2018.

Why not listen while envisioning the grandeur of Gunma’s natural landscape?

Raise the rankinglower