[Hometown Songs] A curated selection of popular Japanese tracks that fill your heart with nostalgia

HOMEAngela Aki

Angela Aki “HOME” Music Video

When you’re living in your hometown you might hate it so much, but once you leave, you start to feel nostalgic and miss it, right? Angela Aki’s “HOME” is the perfect song for that feeling.

Released in 2005 as her major-label debut single, it gradually gained attention after she performed it on NHK’s music program Pop Jam.

It’s a ballad that begins with Angela Aki’s signature powerful piano intro, and it sings of her feelings for the loved ones back in her hometown.

I feel like going home.Ikimonogakari

Ikimono-gakari - I Want to Go Home

A gemlike ballad that tugs at the heart with its poignant emotions.

It gently sings of the loneliness and solitude of youth living away from home, and of their feelings for family and hometown, carried by a tender melody.

Released in April 2008 as Ikimono-gakari’s third major-label single, it was selected as the theme song for the Toho-distributed film “Sand Clock.” Written and composed by Yoshiki Mizuno, the track is marked by Kiyoe Yoshioka’s translucent, memorable vocals.

The music video was filmed at the former Yokohama Bank Annex in Yokohama Island Tower and includes an homage to the film.

It’s the perfect song to wrap you in warmth when you’ve just started living on your own or when you feel the urge to return to your hometown after a long while.

BoyhoodYosui Inoue

Boyhood by Yosui Inoue

Singer-songwriter Yosui Inoue, known for hit songs such as “No Umbrella,” “Into a Dream,” and “Riverside Hotel.” Among the works he released after entering the 1990s, the song that drew major attention was “Shonen Jidai” (“Boyhood”).

This song features lyrics with a narrative quality: it begins with scenes from the end of summer, shifts into summer as the lyrics progress, and then returns to summer’s end.

The nostalgic yet bittersweet words are likely to resonate with people who have left their hometowns and feel a longing for where they grew up.

Incidentally, since 1994 the song has been included several times in middle and high school textbooks.

hometownFUNKY MONKEY BΛBY’S

hometown

FUNKY MONKEY BABYS’ song “Furusato” sings about a hometown always wrapped in gentle, warm memories.

It was released in 2009 as a digital-only single and was later included on their 2010 best-of album “FUNKY MONKEY BABYS BEST.” The song began airing on NHK’s “Minna no Uta” at the time of its release and gained popularity as an anthem supporting young people facing various anxieties.

True to FUNKY MONKEY BABYS’ style, its pop, happy sound fills you with energy when you listen.

Until we meet againHirai Dai

Until we meet again

This is a soothing song that offers comfort to those who have left their hometowns.

Created by Dai Hirai in February 2015, it begins with memories of a nostalgic tree-lined road and delicately portrays changing emotions alongside the shifting seasons.

The gentle vocals and acoustic tones blend beautifully, letting the sorrow of parting and the hope of reunion resonate deeply.

Included on the album “Slow & Easy,” the piece weaves a unique world that fuses surf music with balladry.

It’s a warm, embracing track that speaks to anyone who has experienced departures or farewells, or who carries feelings for someone close to their heart.

JourneyFujii Kaze

Fujii Kaze – Tabiji (Official Video)

This song features a warm melody steeped in nostalgia and longing for one’s hometown, gently resonating in the heart.

Created by Kaze Fujii, a native of Satosho, Okayama Prefecture, it was released in March 2021 as the theme song for TV Asahi’s Thursday drama “Nijiiro Karte.” The lyrics, simple yet profound, liken life to a journey, tenderly singing of childhood memories, bonds with friends who learned and grew together, and the quiet strength to face the future.

Its soulful arrangement and softly resonant piano blend beautifully with the nostalgic visuals filmed at his alma mater and around his hometown, and the track is also included on the album “LOVE ALL SERVE ALL.” It’s a recommended song for those living away from home or anyone who wants to bask in cherished memories with loved ones.

Song of ParentsGReeeeN

GReeeeN / Father-Mother Song

This is a heartwarming song that gently portrays a parent-child relationship as it evolves—from childhood memories, through a rebellious phase, to a deep sense of gratitude today.

Released by GReeeeN in June 2009 on the album “Shio, Kosho” (“Salt, Pepper”), the song reflects on memories with one’s parents and expresses the honest feelings one wishes to convey now as an adult.

Centered on themes of familial bonds and gratitude, its simple lyrics and warm melody evoke a sense of hometown nostalgia.

It’s a recommended track for those who want to express their appreciation to their parents anew, or for those living away from their hometown.