[Hiroshima Songs] The Heart of Our Hometown Passed Down in Song | A Curated Selection of Timeless Classics Loved Across Generations

Airport LogMiyuki Nakajima

Airport Log

Set in an airport where departures and farewells intersect, this memorable song by Miyuki Nakajima delicately portrays the drama of human emotion.

It was included as the B-side to the single “Namida -Made in tears-” released in October 1988.

Its warmth, reflecting the longing for one’s hometown and the bonds that keep hearts connected despite distance, resonates with the local pride of Hiroshima’s residents.

It is a song that quietly stays close to the hearts of those who have left their hometown and miss Hiroshima, or who are experiencing a farewell with someone dear.

Hiroshima Oyster SongLyrics by Hisatsugu Kato / Music by Shoun Tsukiyama

[MV] “Hiroshima Oyster Song” — Gassan Shoun feat. Takun Arisaka

An homage song to Hiroshima’s famed local specialty: oysters.

Set to a lively melody, it celebrates the allure of oysters nurtured by the hometown sea and the pride of Hiroshima’s people.

Released in January 2022, the piece has been used for local events such as tourism campaigns within Hiroshima Prefecture and oyster festivals, and is widely loved as a regional PR song.

It has also been featured on local TV and radio, and is becoming established among Hiroshima residents.

It’s a must-listen for those from Hiroshima living away from home, as well as anyone interested in Hiroshima’s food culture.

Hiroshima Peace SongLyrics by Yoshio Shigezono / Music by Shu Yamamoto

Hiroshima Peace Song

A gem of a choral work imbued with the desire to pass on the devastation of the Hiroshima atomic bombing to future generations and to pray for world peace.

First unveiled at the inaugural “Peace Festival” on August 6, 1947, this piece powerfully expresses a prayer for peace.

It has been sung every year at Hiroshima’s Peace Memorial Ceremony, and in 2018, under the baton of Hiroshima-born conductor Eiji Oue, a CD was produced with the cooperation of the Hiroshima Shin-on Orchestra and the Hiroshima Choral Association.

In 2023, an English-language video was also released as part of the Hiroshima International Peace and Culture Festival.

This is a song that resonates deeply with all who carry a wish for peace in their hearts, and with those who seek to connect with the spirit of Hiroshima.

Come on over! Kita-HiroOfficial Theme Song of Kitanohiroshima Town Image Character, Hanada Maitaro

Kita-Hiroshima Town image character Hanada Mataro Official Theme Song “Come On Over! Kita-Hiro” (Choreography Version)

The official theme song packed with the charms of Kitahiroshima Town features a bright, lively melody that celebrates the town’s seasonal nature and traditional culture.

The song makes the character Butako Hanada more approachable and weaves in local traditions such as the Mibu Rice-Planting Festival and Kagura dance.

After its release in 2016, Butako Hanada placed 73rd in the 2017 national Yuru-chara Grand Prix, helping raise the region’s profile.

It’s a recommended track for anyone who wants to discover the appeal of Kitahiroshima Town or feel the warmth of Japan’s countryside.

Onomichi ChannelKaori Mizumori

BKMBB001 Onomichi Waterway Kaori Mizumori (2000) Ver3L FC HD

This is a song released in 2000 by Kaori Mizumori, known as the “Queen of Local Songs.” The Onomichi Strait, which serves as the setting, is the part of the Seto Inland Sea nestled between Onomichi City and Mukaishima.

It has long functioned as a major commercial port on the Seto Inland Sea route.

How about enjoying this song while taking in the area’s picturesque scenery?

HO.JA.NEOYSTER END×YU-KA

「 HO.JA.NE 」 OYSTER END × YU-KA　(from HIROSIMA)

At the time, it was popular to arrange EAST END × YURI’s “DA.

YO.

NE” into local versions, and this one is the Hiroshima Prefecture edition.

It’s packed with little references related to Hiroshima, resulting in a deep cut much like the other regional versions.

Message — Kotodute (oral message)Porno Graffitti

Message — Kotodute (oral message)

Porno Graffitti, a band with roots in Hiroshima, created this emotional ballad with a sense of mission to their hometown.

The lyrics portray the “first streetcar,” which ran through the city about three days after the atomic bombing, as a symbol for passing memory into the future, and their heartfelt prayer for peace comes through with piercing clarity.

Knowing that the lyrics were written first, and that vocalist Akihito Okano then composed the music as a prayer, makes the weight of the message even more palpable.

Released in April 2025 as the theme song for NHK Hiroshima’s “80 Years Since the Bombing: I Carry It Forward” project, the piece seems to quietly—yet powerfully—ask us, through music, to reflect on the preciousness of everyday life that must be protected.