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

origami craneLyrics and Music: Shihei Umehara

Choral Piece: Orizuru (Paper Cranes) — With Prayers for Peace

A masterpiece by Shihei Umehara that entrusts prayers for peace to folded paper cranes.

Created in 1983 with the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki as its theme, this anti-war song carries a simple yet powerful message that continues to resonate, sung at peace and anti-nuclear movements.

In 2009, it was covered by the Tanpopo Children’s Choir on the compilation album “Letters / A Round Life ~ Graduation & Chorus Song Collection ~,” and it has been loved across generations.

When you wish to reflect on Hiroshima and reconsider the importance of peace, this song quietly stays close to the heart and profoundly moves many people’s souls.

Go, Carp! ~Young Koi (Young Carp)~Daijiro Shiomi

Go, Carp — Go, Carp: Young Koi

This is the team song of the Hiroshima Toyo Carp, who have passionate fans not only in Hiroshima but across the country.

The memorable introductory melody is said to be inspired by the final phrase of the cheer song of Hosei University, the alma mater of Koji Yamamoto, who was a key player at the time.

I truly hope it will continue to be the heartfelt anthem of the people of Hiroshima.

OKOoochie Koochie

OK

A track that exquisitely fuses 1970s disco sounds with modern arrangements, also known as an official fight song for the Hiroshima Toyo Carp.

It’s the signature work of a unit formed in 2025 by two Hiroshima-born heavyweights of the music scene, Tamio Okuda and Koji Kikkawa, who launched the project in their milestone sixtieth year as a tribute to their hometown.

The lyrics, which encourage listeners to keep moving forward with a reassuring “It’s going to be okay” even in tough times, have resonated widely, and the energetic melody naturally gets people dancing.

Released in April 2025, the song brought the house down at Mazda Stadium when it premiered during the opening ceremony of that year’s professional baseball season.

It’s especially recommended for baseball fans looking to shake off pre-game nerves, as well as for anyone seeking encouragement during challenging times.

Tomorrow's HarmonyHIPPY

[MV] Tomorrow's Harmony / HIPPY [Commemorative Song for the 50th Anniversary of Higashihiroshima City's Municipal Establishment]

A gem of a song that carries a passionate love for one’s hometown on a rich harmony.

HIPPY’s warm vocals evoke familiar scenes of home.

Created to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Higashihiroshima City’s establishment as a municipality, this work is filled with a gentle spirit that conveys deep bonds with the local community.

Born in 2024 as a commemorative song, its music video—featuring many citizens as extras—has also become a hot topic.

It’s widely cherished at community events and festivals.

Highly recommended for those who want to feel the importance of hometown ties and connection, or who are seeking a heartwarming anthem of encouragement.

Give me your heart[Official] Kure City, Hiroshima Prefecture Original Song

[Official] Kure City, Hiroshima Prefecture Original Song “Kimi Kure Heart” Dance Lesson Video <Sharp Moves Version>

An official song from Kure City in Hiroshima Prefecture overflowing with local pride, conveying a deep love and pride for one’s hometown.

Realized in January 2019 at the long-held wish of Kure’s PR character “Kureshi,” the song features a pure, nostalgic melody.

Produced by Ryosuke Imai—known for work on Namie Amuro’s “Hero” and Hiroshima-born artist TEE—it successfully expresses Kure City’s appeal through music.

As part of the city’s promotional activities, dance lesson videos and sheet music for various instruments have been released, drawing attention as a citizen-participation project.

This is a recommended track for anyone who wants to express hometown love through music or experience Hiroshima’s culture.

If in HiroshimaDark Ducks

TSS Image Song “If, in Hiroshima” [From Here! TSS CHANNEL]

The Dark Ducks are a male vocal group that debuted in 1951.

Since this song has been used as the image song for TV Shin-Hiroshima, some people may feel nostalgic hearing it play when early-morning broadcasting begins.

Come on over.TEE & HIPPY

TEE & HIPPY “Kinsaiya” Music Video

A song by TEE and HIPPY whose title features a warm Hiroshima dialect word meaning “welcome.” Hailing from Hiroshima, the two artists pour deep affection for their hometown into this dialect-rich duet, bringing listeners a sense of calm and conveying the comforting embrace of Hiroshima through its language.

Released in March 2017 as a track on HIPPY’s album “HomeBase ~Arigatou~,” it was also chosen as the ending theme for NHK Hiroshima’s program “Hiroshima Katasumi Shokudo.” It’s a beloved anthem brimming with hometown pride that stirs nostalgia in those living away from Hiroshima and inspires others to want to visit.