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 the Hometown Passed Down in Song (41–50)

Otaru no hito yoMasayoshi Tsuruoka and Tokyo Romantica

Masayoshi Tsuruoka and Tokyo Romantica “Otaru no Hito yo”

Otaru no Hito Yo – Masayoshi Tsuruoka and Tokyo Romantica

It’s a song by Masayoshi Tsuruoka and Tokyo Romantica, released in 1967.

Despite being their debut single, it reportedly sold over 1.

5 million copies.

It’s also known as a local song of Otaru, Hokkaido.

The guitar’s beautiful intro evokes a sense of melancholy.

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Sōran Migratory BirdsThe Komadori Sisters

Sōran Migratory Birds

Soran Migratory Bird Komadori Sisters

This is a gem of a masterpiece that beautifully intertwines Hokkaido’s majestic scenery with a traveler’s state of mind.

Drawing on the folk song “Soran Bushi” as its motif, the powerful melody and the timbre of the shamisen blend exquisitely, vividly portraying the harsh nature of the northern land and the lives of its people.

Released as a single by Nippon Columbia in April 1961, the song became emblematic of the Komadori Sisters’ career and led to the remarkable achievement of their first appearance on NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen that same year.

It has been included on numerous classic albums, such as “Columbia Duet Super Select” and “Definitive Edition: The Komadori Sisters Complete Collection.” Highly recommended for those who feel nostalgia for Hokkaido or who want to experience the compelling allure of enka.

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The Legend of the Crimson Lily of the ValleyLovelyz

Legend of the Crimson Lily of the Valley – Lovelyz

Legend of the Red Lily of the Valley Lovelyz

This is the debut single by the duo Lovelyz, who debuted in 1978.

The two members are graduates of the Hirao Masaaki Music School, and this song was created as a local tune for Lake Shikotsu in Hokkaido.

Its brisk rhythm and minor-key harmonies evoke a sense of melancholy.

There are various theories, such as that the Legend of the Crimson Lily-of-the-Valley actually pertains to Lake Okotanpe.

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First Love TrainKiyoshi Hikawa

Kiyoshi Hikawa “First Love Train”

First Love Train Hikawa Kiyoshi

“First Love Train” is a single released in 2005 by enka singer Kiyoshi Hikawa as his eighth single.

With this work, he achieved the remarkable feat of reaching No.

1 on the Oricon overall singles chart for the first time in his career.

Set to the characteristic melodies of enka that resonate with the ears and hearts of Japanese listeners, it depicts someone recalling their first love in Aomori and then crossing over to Hokkaido to search for that person.

The lyrics mention various place names within Hokkaido, so you might recognize some of them.

Give it a listen when you venture beyond Honshu and visit Hokkaido.

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White City SapporoAnn Lewis

[1971] White Weekend by Ann Lewis [Full Single]

White City Sapporo Ann Lewis

This is a song included on the B-side of Ann Lewis’s debut single “Shiroi Shūmatsu,” released in 1971.

Announced the year before the Sapporo Olympics, the song portrays snow falling over the city of Sapporo and conveys the joy of winter.

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Cape of Human KindnessTunnels

Ninjō Cape - Tunnels

Ninjō Cape Tunnels

This is the ninth single released by Tunnels in 1986.

The song was created by hitmakers Yasushi Akimoto (lyrics) and Tsugutoshi Goto (music).

Although it’s an enka-style track set at Cape Nosappu, it isn’t dark in tone; true to Tunnels’ style, it’s a song that cheerfully and wholeheartedly encourages a heartbroken woman.

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Northern Sea VerseAine Honma

Aine Honma New Song “Kita no Umibushi” Music Video — Released January 24, 2024

Aine Honma, North Sea Song

Set in Aine Honma’s home of Hokkaido, this song celebrates the passionate lives of fishermen.

Against the harsh winters of the Nemuro Strait, it portrays people battling at the fishing grounds and the bonds of family and community that support them.

The lyrics, weaving strength and delicacy, resonate deeply with listeners.

Released by King Records in January 2024, this track marks Honma’s first single after moving to King Records.

It has been highly acclaimed locally, including being selected as HBC Radio’s recommended song for February.

It’s a piece for everyone working in harsh conditions—and for anyone who holds their hometown dear.

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