[2025] Masterpieces that sing of Hokkaido: The enduring heart of our homeland passed down in song

The End of the JourneyKiyoshi Aoki

Journey’s End — Kiyoshi Aoki — The Hokkaido Youth Hostel Song

It’s a famous song that sings of Hokkaido’s beautiful nature and the hearts of its people.

Kiyoshi Aoki’s warm vocals evoke the vast land and its rich natural beauty.

Released in 1977, the piece has long been cherished as the song of the Hokkaido youth hostels.

The music video features scenes of Hokkaido from the 1970s to the early 1980s, stirring a sense of nostalgia.

Its lyrics, reflecting on the end of a journey, prompt deep thoughts about the meaning of life, loneliness, and living in harmony with nature.

It’s perfect as background music when traveling through Hokkaido and is also recommended for those who want to feel a sense of local pride.

Each listen lets the charm of Hokkaido seep into your heart—an uplifting, heartwarming track.

Our path

“Our Path,” a song of Hokkaido sung by 38 people connected to Hokkaido [MV]

“Our Road” was produced as part of the “One Hokkaido Project,” a joint campaign by six TV stations in Hokkaido to mark the 150th anniversary in 2018 of the region being named “Hokkaido.” The song is performed by 38 people with ties to Hokkaido, ranging from major stars like Maki Ohguro and Takashi Hosokawa to comedians such as Taka and Toshi and Yasumura (Tonikaku Akarui Yasumura).

Please listen while reflecting on the history that the land of Hokkaido has traveled.

Winds of the Future: Toward the Road AheadSnow Miku (Hatsune Miku)

[Snow Miku (Hatsune Miku)] Wind of the Future ~ Toward the Road Beyond (Hokkaido’s Catchphrase Image Song & Illustration)

When Crypton Future Media, headquartered in Sapporo, Hokkaido, solicited a new catchphrase as part of a tie-up project with Hokkaido, “Hokkaido: To the road beyond.” was selected.

The piece “Winds of the Future ~ To the Road Beyond” was adopted as the image song for that catchphrase.

The vocalist is Hatsune Miku, a Vocaloid artist produced by the company.

It portrays a grand vision of taking flight from the vast natural land of Hokkaido out into the world.

Hokkaido ShararaCountry Girls

Country Musume – Hokkaido Shalala

Country Musume, centered around Suzune Toda from Sapporo, Hokkaido.

There was also a period when other Hokkaido-born members, such as Mai Satoda, were part of the group.

Their third release, “Hokkaido Sharara,” as the title suggests, repeatedly features the word “Hokkaido” throughout the song and is truly a track about love in Hokkaido.

Its refreshing sound makes it perfect for driving around the region.

In addition, Country Musume’s discography includes their debut single “Futari no Hokkaido,” so be sure to give that a listen as well!

Travel Sentiments of IwaobetsuMuneyuki Sato

Muneyuki Sato - Iwaobetsu Travel Sentiment (1977 Live in Sendai)

Set in Shiretoko, Hokkaido, this is a gently sung ballad.

Muneyuki Sato’s tender voice seeps into the heart.

Unlike the image of vast open land, it’s a travel song that evokes the cold, lonely north.

Its wistful sound makes you want to listen to it alone.

Night of IomanteHisao Ito

Night of Iyomante - Showa 24 (sung by Hisao Ito), broadcast in Showa 44 - Japan Kayō Channel

It’s Akira Fuse’s fifth single, released in 1966.

Set at Lake Mashu—the clearest lake in Japan—the song evokes a mystical scene shrouded in fog.

Its success reportedly drew many tourists to Lake Mashu.

It is widely known as a local song of Teshikaga, Kawakami District, Hokkaido.

Misty Lake MashuAkira Fuse

Misty Lake Mashu

This is Akira Fuse’s fifth single, released in 1966.

Set at Lake Mashu, known as Japan’s clearest lake, the song conjures up a mystical scene shrouded in mist.

Its success reportedly drew many tourists to Lake Mashu.

It is widely known as a local song of Teshikaga in Kawakami District, Hokkaido (the eastern Hokkaido region).