[Hometown Songs] A curated selection of popular Japanese tracks that fill your heart with nostalgia
In the midst of hectic days—living alone away from your familiar hometown or spending each day with a new family—you may suddenly recall the nostalgic scenery of the place you grew up.
Even if you want to go back, circumstances may keep you from doing so right away.
.
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In times like these, why not rest your heart by listening to classic songs that sing of home?
In this article, we’ve compiled songs themed around “hometown,” focusing on timeless J-POP classics.
Let yourself be wrapped in nostalgia and enjoy these exquisite masterpieces that may gently bring warm tears to your eyes.
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Hometown Songs: A Curated Selection of Popular Japanese Tracks That Fill Your Heart with Nostalgia (21–30)
FlowerKousuke Atari
It was released in 2007 as Ataru Nakamura’s third single.
Written specifically for him by the duo Naotaro Moriyama and Omodaka Taito, it was used in a commercial for Satsuma Shiranami, a sweet potato shochu by Satsuma Shuzo.
Sung in the distinctive shimauta folk style of the Amami Islands, it has become one of Ataru Nakamura’s signature songs.
Naotaro Moriyama has also covered it.
It’s a song that, for some reason, feels nostalgic and brings your hometown to mind.
hometownNHK Children's Choir
When it comes to children’s songs so famous that everyone knows them—even featured in music textbooks—“Furusato” stands out.
Its lyrics, which yearn for the hometown landscapes of childhood, really resonate with the heart.
For a long time the lyricist and composer were unknown, but in the late 1960s it was established that the lyrics were by Tatsuyuki Takano and the music by Teiichi Okano.
The melody is simple yet somehow nostalgic, and it’s loved by many.
It has been covered by numerous artists, including ATSUSHI from EXILE and Hiroko Yakushimaru, and was performed by Anri at the closing ceremony of the 1998 Nagano Winter Olympics.
Song of YokkaichiHideshi Ito
A rustic folk song that feels like filling your lungs with Mie’s air.
It gently reflects the breath of the city and the presence of sea and mountains, awakening memories of home.
The song weaves in place names and scenes of everyday life, wrapping the heart of homecoming in the soft resonance of acoustics.
The vocals are intimate, as if speaking to you, and the chorus opens brightly like a horizon.
Its arrangement shines even in a simple voice-and-guitar performance, and it’s incredibly easy to hum along to.
Included on the 2007 album “Let’s Go Home (Uchi e Kaerō).” Hideshi Ito’s 2003 “Grandfather’s Clock – ZuZu Version” reached No.
17 on the Oricon overall chart and sold over 200,000 copies, and this work stands out in that lineage of “local-themed series.” Perfect for road trips, drives home, or evening strolls.
Highly recommended!
Welcome back.Ayaka
Families that can say “welcome home” to each other are wonderful, aren’t they? I think these words are truly words of love meant for family.
Because they come from cherishing your family, they resonate deeply in the heart.
Having a place to return to is a blessing.
It’s a warmly felt song.
Song of WheatMiyuki Nakajima
Miyuki Nakajima’s “Mugi no Uta” is a singer-songwriter piece characterized by a bright tone that feels like the arrival of a refreshing morning.
Unlike the darker mood of her signature songs such as “Wakare Uta” and “Akujo,” this track has a different atmosphere; it was also chosen as the theme song for the NHK morning drama “Massan,” and its familiar, approachable melody has made it widely known.
Incidentally, both the drama’s setting and Nakajima’s hometown are in Hokkaido, so this song is one I especially recommend to those who have moved from Hokkaido to the big city!
Touch and changeSpitz
It’s a rock number that mentions Tenjin Station, a place name from Masamune Kusano’s hometown, the vocalist of the Japanese rock band Spitz.
It’s a powerful track featuring organ sounds.
The title is distinctive as well, and I think it’s a masterpiece that fully showcases Kusano’s unique worldview.
Come back home.Hanako Oku
This song is filled with kindness and warmth, delivering an encouraging message that resonates deeply.
Okuno Hanako’s clear, translucent vocals and gentle piano tones tenderly embrace tired hearts, offering support to those who are doing their best while singing of the importance of having a place to return to.
With its quiet strength and sense of reassurance, this work has the power to sustain those who feel lonely or anxious.
Released in March 2006, it also drew attention as the JR East “Ekinaka” campaign commercial song.
It is included on the album “Yasashii Hana no Saku Basho,” which also features “Garnet,” the theme song for the film The Girl Who Leapt Through Time.
Loved by many, this track continues to comfort people who feel worn out by work or daily life, and those living far from their hometowns.