[2025] Masterpieces that sing of Hokkaido: The enduring heart of our homeland passed down in song
Hokkaido, a land surrounded by grand, beautiful, and sometimes harsh nature, has often been featured as the setting in songs—especially kayōkyoku and enka—from the Showa era to the present day.
Artists and bands from Hokkaido sometimes write songs about their own hometown, and there are countless masterpieces themed around the northern land.
This time, we’ll introduce a selection of songs connected to Hokkaido, regardless of genre or era.
From famous hits to hidden gems, give them a listen while picturing the scenery of Hokkaido!
- [Folk and Children's Songs of Hokkaido] Songs of Hokkaido that continue to be loved across generations
- [Local Songs] Recommended tracks packed with Japan’s nationwide classics and hometown pride
- [Hometown Songs] A curated selection of popular Japanese tracks that fill your heart with nostalgia
- [Song of Osaka] A selection of passionate, warm-hearted Osaka tunes
- [Songs of Aomori] A collection of local songs depicting the grandeur of nature and the warmth of its people.
- Chiba Songs: A comprehensive introduction, from famous tunes filled with hometown love to local theme songs
- [Japanese School Anthems] A Hot Topic at Koshien! From Beautiful Anthems to Unique Ones, All Introduced at Once
- A classic song that sings of Nagasaki: the enduring heart of our hometown
- [2025] Iconic songs and love songs themed around or set by the sea and sandy beaches — sea songs
- A classic song about Oita. The enduring spirit of our hometown [2025]
- A classic song about Miyazaki: a heartfelt ode to one’s hometown [2025]
- [Kyoto Songs] Masterpieces that sing about Kyoto — songs themed on the ancient capital. The enduring heart of our hometown passed down in song.
- [2025] A classic song themed around summer festivals. A song of summer memories.
2025: Masterpieces that sing of Hokkaido. The enduring heart of our homeland (1–10)
Cape ErimoShinichi Mori
Erimo Misaki, which could be called one of enka singer Shinichi Mori’s signature songs, was released in 1974 as his 29th single, with lyrics by the renowned lyricist Osami Okamoto and music by folk singer Takuro Yoshida.
This masterpiece overlays Cape Erimo—located on the Pacific coast in Erimo, Horoizumi District, Hokkaido—with the warmth that touches the heart in a spring where the cold still lingers.
At Cape Erimo, there are also two song monuments: one for this piece and another for Chiyoko Shimakura’s different song of the same title, Erimo Misaki.
Be sure to stop by when you visit!
WakkanaiGalileo Galilei
This nostalgia-filled rock number themed around Wakkanai, Hokkaido is a work that can be called the origin of Galileo Galilei’s musical style.
Carried by a gentle melody, the song sings of longing for one’s hometown and is included on the album Parade, released in February 2011.
Parade debuted at No.
5 on the Oricon chart, helping to bring wider recognition to their music.
Its refreshingly delicate arrangements and tracks incorporating elements of indie rock and chillwave beautifully capture the atmosphere of the northern land.
It’s a song that resonates deeply with those living away from home or anyone who feels a sense of nostalgia for a cherished place.
North TavernTakashi Hosokawa
Takashi Hosokawa is an enka singer from Makkari Village in Abuta District, Hokkaido.
Before moving to Tokyo, he performed mainly at clubs in Susukino, Sapporo, and because his style resembled that of singer Shinichi Mori, he was called “Sapporo’s Shinichi Mori.” Hosokawa’s song Kitazakaba (Northern Tavern) is an essential Hokkaido tune.
Released in 1982, this classic depicts a love story set in a chilly northern bar.
The song earned him his first Japan Record Award at the 24th ceremony.
Its warm, catchy melody will have you humming along before you know it.
Be sure to enjoy it as your nighttime companion when you travel to Hokkaido!
[2025] Masterpieces that sing of Hokkaido: The enduring hometown spirit (11–20)
Hokkaido for TwoCountry Girls
This song features a pastoral country sound that evokes the vast landscapes of Hokkaido, paired with a warm, nostalgic melody.
It richly conveys encounters with the majestic northern nature and its unpretentious people, beautifully depicting scenery unique to Hokkaido and the changing seasons.
The acoustic instrumentation makes full use of Country Musume’s individuality, and the members’ clear, translucent vocals resonate deeply.
Released as a single in July 2000, it was featured at Hokkaido events and on TV programs, and was also used in local promotional activities, making it a memorable track.
For those from Hokkaido living away from home, as well as people across Japan who long for the great northern land, it will surely bring a heartwarming moment.
Woman of HakodateSaburō Kitajima
Set in a port town in Hokkaido, this classic enka masterpiece delicately portrays the subtleties of human emotions and a deep longing for home.
Saburo Kitajima’s powerful vocals brilliantly convey a man’s heartache and passion, culminating in a grand composition that evokes the vastness of the land and vivid scenes of the harbor town.
Released by Nippon Crown in November 1965, the song became a mega-hit, selling over 1.
4 million copies.
It was also featured in commercials for Asahi Beer’s “Dosan no Nama” and Nagatanien’s “Sake Chazuke,” and has long been cherished as one of Kitajima’s signature songs.
This piece is perfect for moments when you want to reflect on Hokkaido’s majestic nature and the lives of its people.
Its travel-inspiring, beautiful melody and heartfelt lyrics will resonate deeply with anyone living far from their hometown.
Shiretoko Ryojo (Shiretoko Travel Sentiment)Hisaya Morishige
Shiretoko Journeys (Shiretoko Ryojō) is a song by Hisaya Morishige, who was active as an actor, voice actor, comedian, and former NHK announcer.
It’s a piece that reflects on Shiretoko, located in eastern Hokkaido and designated as a World Heritage site.
The song was composed during his extended stay in Rausu Village on the Shiretoko Peninsula while filming To Live at the Ends of the Earth, a movie set in Shiretoko in which he also appeared.
Separate from this, there is another work titled Okhotsk Boat Song, which sings of Shiretoko’s harsh cold and served as the original song for Shiretoko Journeys.
Both pieces allow listeners to experience the profound history of Shiretoko.
Today's soupYo Oizumi with STARDUST REVUE
Born from a popular program on AIR-G’ radio, this gem of a song gently portrays everyday life in Hokkaido.
Yo Oizumi wrote the lyrics, with Kaname Nemoto of Stardust Revue composing the music.
Wrapped in a warm melody, it beautifully captures Hokkaido’s winter scenery and daily living.
Released in January 2004 as a Hokkaido-only edition and nationwide in March of the same year, the song also led to an appearance on TV Asahi’s Music Station.
It reached a peak position of No.
10 on the Oricon chart and resonated with listeners for 14 weeks.
This J-pop track, filled with a heartfelt longing for one’s hometown, is perfect not only for those from Hokkaido but for anyone who wants to enjoy music in a calm, peaceful mood.
Why not spend a heartwarming moment accompanied by the gentle sounds of an acoustic guitar?