[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 Singing of Hokkaido: The Heart of Our Hometown Passed Down in Song (21–30)
Tsugaru Strait – Winter SceneSayuri Ishikawa
Sayuri Ishikawa’s enka masterpiece “Tsugaru Strait – Winter Scene.” Released in 1977 as her 15th single, it won prestigious music awards including the Vocal Performance Award at the 19th Japan Record Awards and the Grand Prix/Best Vocal Performance at the 6th FNS Music Festival.
The Tsugaru Strait lies between the southern tip of Hokkaido and Aomori Prefecture, connecting the Sea of Japan and the Pacific Ocean.
This song lyrically overlays the harsh winter scenery of the Tsugaru Strait with the image of crossing the strait to Hokkaido.
Immerse yourself in it with a longing for the northern lands.
freezing pointKoji Tamaki
Hailing from Asahikawa, Hokkaido, Koji Tamaki—active both as the vocalist of Anzen Chitai and as a solo artist—released his third single, “Hyoten,” in 1989.
The song was used as the theme for the TV drama adaptation of Ayako Miura’s novel Hyoten.
Its quiet melody, like droplets falling from icicles, matches the scenery of the Foreign Tree Species Forest in Asahikawa, the story’s setting, and its simple yet profound lyrics capture the novel’s worldview.
It’s a perfect song for Hokkaido’s piercing, biting cold.
setting sunTakuro Yoshida
The song “Ochiba” (Fallen Leaves), created with lyricist Osami Okamoto, was released by folk singer Takuro Yoshida in 1989.
The lyrics depict the scene of an elderly man, who spends his days immersed in dice gambling—a man Okamoto met while wandering around Hokkaido—seeing Okamoto off as he boards a ferry from Tomakomai Port to Sendai Port.
Fans strongly embrace the sharp worldview that overlays the old man’s way of life with Okamoto’s own wandering.
It’s a track you’ll want to play as background music while casually traveling around Hokkaido.
Ballad of the Rainbow and SnowToi et Moi
This is the theme song of the 1972 Sapporo Winter Olympics.
Its friendly, catchy tune has continued to be sung among the people of Hokkaido even after the Games ended.
Bunichiro Kawamura, who wrote the lyrics, was a poet, but since he wasn’t used to writing song lyrics, he reportedly revised them many times before completing the piece.
The City of Love, SapporoYujiro Ishihara
The work “Koi no Machi Sapporo” by Yujiro Ishihara, a star who symbolizes the Showa era.
It was released in 1972 to help build excitement for the Sapporo Olympics held the same year.
From the very first lines, the cityscape of Sapporo spreads out before you, with the Clock Tower at its heart.
The wistful mood of the melody adds depth to the song, making it a perfect track to listen to at night.
At the Sapporo Hitsujigaoka Observation Hill in Sapporo, there’s a monument inscribed with lyrics from “Koi no Machi Sapporo” standing slightly in front of the famous statue of Dr.
Clark—don’t forget to take a commemorative photo there!
Capital, oh springtime
It is said that this dormitory song of Hokkaido University’s student dormitory, Keiteki Dormitory, was composed in the 1912 academic year.
The composer was Kenji Akagi and the lyricist was Yosuke Yokoyama, both of whom were students at the time.
At Keiteki Dormitory, dormitory songs had been composed repeatedly since 1907, and “Miyako zo Yayoi” is the sixth dormitory song.
Cape SoyaDa Capo
Soya Cape, sung by the mixed-gender folk duo Da Capo.
The original song was released in 1972 by Mari Kuroki.
Cape Soya is the northernmost cape in Wakkanai City, located in northern Hokkaido.
This anthem brims with local pride, weaving into its lyrics scenes of the drift ice once visible from Cape Soya and the beauty of “flower makeup.” When you travel to Wakkanai, a place where unique culture still remains, try looking for the music monument at Cape Soya engraved with the lyrics of Soya Cape!