Lovely nursery rhymes, folk songs, and children's songs

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

music writerKOH-1
Started working as a music writer as a side job while employed at a record shop, and have been contributing to music magazines and web media for over 15 years. Although Western music is my main field, I always strive to stay curious with the motto, “I like what I like.” I have experience playing in a band, where I was a bassist responsible for songwriting and composition. Instruments I’ve performed on include bass, guitar, and piano. I resumed piano lessons after turning 40 and have been continuing ever since!
Yoga teacherYuko S.
Nice to meet you. I’m Yuko S. I teach yoga, meditation, and Laughter Yoga Music. I offer Laughter Yoga Music because ensuring children’s psychological safety fosters the development of their brains and minds and helps them cultivate their talents. I have produced many Laughter Yoga Music recreation sessions that simply let people enjoy laughter, music, and dance—connecting India and Japan via Zoom for both children and adults. My track record includes regularly held Nerima Laughter Yoga classes, regularly held Kichijoji Laughter Yoga Music classes, and occasional Laughter Yoga Music events. I’m currently involved in various kinds of work, and as I began facing myself more deeply, I continued studying NLP—sometimes called an instruction manual for the brain and mind—as well as the deeper unconscious realms of the psyche; I now also work as a psychological therapist. I love music, too. Back in my student days, I was such a big fan of the band LÄ-PPISCH that I even joined their fan club. I was a total live-music girl, spending most of my part-time earnings on indie concert tickets, lol. I listen to music across genres, and since I’ve lived in India, I especially listen to a lot of Indian music.

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!

[2025] Masterpieces Singing of Hokkaido: The Heart of Our Hometown Passed Down in Song (31–40)

Hakodate Night ViewKonomi Mori

Hakodate Night View Song: Konomi Mori

Hakodate Night View, Konomi Mori

This moving ballad, with a grand sense of scale and the night view of Hakodate, Hokkaido as its main theme, expresses traditional enka elements through a contemporary sensibility.

Konomi Mori’s powerful yet delicate vocals vividly depict the scenery of the port town, leaving a deep resonance in listeners’ hearts.

Released as a single in May 2019, the song has also been used as a tourism PR piece for Hakodate City, Hokkaido.

It’s featured at events and campaigns hosted by the city and the tourism association, and frequently spotlighted by local radio stations and TV programs.

Highly recommended for those who want to savor the charm of Hakodate with all five senses, or for anyone who feels nostalgic for their hometown.

It’s a gem of a track that lets you fully experience the atmosphere of this beautiful port city.

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Cape TachimachiMasako Mori

Masako Mori Tachimachi Cape (1986-06-29)

Tachimachi Cape Masako Mori

Released in 1982, this is a regional song set at Cape Tachimachi in Hakodate, Hokkaido.

Her vocals convey the strength and emotions of a woman from the north.

With this song, she achieved ten consecutive appearances on NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen.

It’s also a fan favorite.

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Lake FurenKeisuke Yamauchi

Keisuke Yamauchi 'Furenko' Music Video

Kerenko Yamanouchi Keisuke

This song celebrates the beautiful scenery woven by Hokkaido’s nature.

Keisuke Yamauchi’s gentle vocals perfectly capture the mysterious atmosphere of Lake Furen.

The track was produced as the title song of the single “Furenko,” released on August 5, 2020.

It’s said that Yamauchi’s firsthand experience visiting Lake Furen served as a major inspiration for the songwriting.

The piece conveys the importance of stepping away from the noise of everyday life and finding calm in nature.

It’s recommended not only for enka fans but also for anyone who longs for Hokkaido’s majestic landscapes.

When your heart feels weary, listening to it will surely bring a sense of healing.

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To the northFour Seasons

To the north. Four Seasons

Northwards: Four Seasons

A beautiful love song set in Hokkaido, where harsh cold and gentle warmth coexist.

Released in 1999 as the theme song for the Dreamcast romance adventure game set in Hokkaido, “Kita e White Illumination,” its pure, translucent harmonies by the voice actor group Four Seasons resonate deeply.

The calm, warm melody and lyrics that depict the changing seasons gently color the northern landscape.

The song was released as a CD single simultaneously with the game, and that same year a live event titled “Kita e FOUR SEASONS LIVE ’99 Spring” was held.

It’s a heartwarming piece that offers comfort to those who feel the loneliness of the season awaiting the snowmelt and who long for a reunion.

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The Northern LandSaburō Kitajima

Northern Land - Saburō Kitajima (released in 1991)

Saburo Kitajima, the Northern Land

This song is themed around the grand nature of Hokkaido, the hometown of Saburo Kitajima.

It likens Hokkaido’s gentle yet at times harsh natural world to life itself.

From his powerful vocals, you can deeply feel a resolve—a determination to overcome hardships and keep moving forward.

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[2025] Masterpieces Singing of Hokkaido: The Heart of the Hometown Passed Down in Song (41–50)

Abashiri PrisonKen Takakura

Ken Takakura 'Abashiri Bangaichi'

Abashiri Prison: Ken Takakura

Known as a classic set in Hokkaido, this song is memorable for Ken Takakura’s rugged vocals.

Released in 1965 as the theme song for the film “Abashiri Prison,” it created a huge sensation.

The lyrics portray the complex feelings of a man headed to prison, resonating deeply with listeners.

Popular alongside the movie, the song became one of Ken Takakura’s signature works.

In December 2014, it was reissued as a CD single in response to many fans’ requests.

It’s a recommended track for those who want to feel the grandeur of Hokkaido’s nature and the way people live there.

Its soul-stirring vocals and lyrics that conjure vivid images of Hokkaido’s landscapes are especially captivating.

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White RoadGLAY

GLAY / White Road

White Road GLAY

GLAY is a rock band with three of its four members hailing from Hokkaido.

This is their 32nd single, “White Road,” released in 2005.

The song was created by vocalist TAKURO with his hometown of Hakodate in mind.

It was also included on the ballad best album released the following year in 2006, “-Ballad Best Singles- WHITE ROAD.” It’s said to be a companion piece to “Tsuzureori ~so far and yet so close~,” which is also featured on that album.

Listening to both will let you appreciate the lyrics on a deeper level, so be sure to check them out!

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