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

Konnyaku ParadiseKanako

"Konnyaku Paradise" Short Ver. [Shimomita Official Support Song]

This is a danceable J-pop track that brims with love for Shimonita Town’s local specialties—so catchy it’ll make anyone want to start dancing.

Created by singer-songwriter Kanako, it features lyrics that humorously capture the endlessly versatile charm of konnyaku.

Released in April 2017 as Shimonita Town’s officially endorsed support song, the single was later included on the album “Again.” One listen will surely make you want to visit Shimonita—and might just leave you craving konnyaku dishes.

Edo Maiden, Joshu CrowEiko Segawa

Edo Maiden, Joshu Crow

Set in Joshu, present-day Gunma Prefecture, this song richly conveys the spirit of a traveler passed down from parent to child.

The chill of the wind and the image of swaying, split-sided baggage seem to mirror the harshness of life and the protagonist’s resolve to keep facing forward.

The spoken, narrative-like lines woven into the music add depth to a story sung across generations.

Released by Eiko Segawa in August 1999, the song is also included on the best-of album “Eiko Segawa Zenkyokushū.” It gently supports those embarking on a new chapter in life or striving far from their hometown.

Mount HarunaKaori Mizumori

Kaori Mizumori [Mount Haruna] with Lyrics – Lyrics by Eiji Takino / Music by Yukihiko Ito

A local song from Gunma Prefecture by Kaori Mizumori, known as the “Queen of Local Songs.” Mount Haruna in Gunma has long been an object of mountain worship, and at its southwestern foot lies Haruna Shrine, famed as a spiritual power spot.

As you listen to this piece, which sings of a heartbroken woman against the backdrop of Gunma’s famous sights, why not let your thoughts drift to the land of Gunma?

A Young Woman’s Dashing Traveling AttireHibari Misora

A Young Woman’s Dashing Traveling Attire

Misora Hibari’s “Musume Dōchū Date Sugata” vividly portrays a woman traveling alone without bothering to dress up.

You’re overwhelmed by Hibari’s vocal prowess, and it conjures the image of a valiant woman—so much so that you can almost hear the familiar line, “Don’t underestimate me just because I’m a woman!”

Summer MemoriesLyrics: Akiko Ema / Music: Yoshinao Nakata

Yoshinao Nakata: Summer Memories

Natsu no Omoide (Summer Memories) is a song so famous for depicting Japan’s original pastoral landscape.

The “Oze” that appears in the lyrics is said to refer to a high-altitude marshland spanning three prefectures: Fukushima, Niigata, and Gunma.

If you listen while picturing the majestic natural scenery that remains in Gunma, you may experience a different kind of emotion than when hearing it simply as a traditional school song.

Woman of TakasakiTakashi Mine (Los Primos)

Woman of Takasaki (Hito) - Los Primos, Mr. Mine himself

Takasaki no Onna, a solo song by Takashi Mine of Los Primos—famous for mood kayō—was included as the B-side of the 2006 single Forever Tokyo.

The lyrics were written by Mine’s wife, Seiren, and the music was composed by Mine himself.

Knowing it’s a collaboration between husband and wife, some listeners might find their imaginations running wild, wondering, “Who exactly is the ‘woman of Takasaki’?”

town/cityMAY’S

MAY’S – City

May’s is a two-person male-female group.

The vocalist, Maiko Katagiri, is from Kiryu City in Gunma Prefecture and wrote the lyrics to this song, “Machi” (Town).

National Route 50 and Mount Akagi are fairly specific references, but I imagine Oka Park is a small park that only locals would know.

It’s a song in which you can feel a deep affection for the singer’s hometown in each and every detail.