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

Letter to TomorrowAoi Teshima

Aoi Teshima “Letter to Tomorrow (Drama Version)”

This gem of a ballad, carried by a gentle, heart-stirring piano tone, sings of feelings for a precious person who keeps moving forward toward the future.

Aoi Teshima’s crystalline voice beautifully conveys a sense of nostalgia for one’s hometown and a pure, unadorned heart.

Included on the album “Ren’dez-vous,” released in July 2014, it was later chosen as the theme song for Fuji TV’s Monday 9 p.

m.

drama “Love That Makes You Cry” in February 2016, and it has also been featured in a commercial for Aflac Life Insurance.

Embracing listeners with images of innocent childhood smiles and hometown scenery while encouraging them to face forward, this song offers gentle comfort to those living away from the places they call home.

Born in that townToshiyuki Nishida

Toshiyuki Nishida – Born in That Town [Official Audio]

Yasushi Akimoto’s woven lyrics and Toshiyuki Nishida’s warm singing voice overlap to evoke a deep longing for a distant hometown.

Released by King Records in June 2011, about three months after the Great East Japan Earthquake, it is a gem of a ballad issued as the coupling track to “Baton Touch.” Infused with Mr.

Nishida’s feelings for his native Fukushima Prefecture, it was also performed at that year’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen, moving many viewers.

This is a song that supports those living away from home or those who have lost a cherished place.

Let yourself be carried by its gentle melody and warm vocals, and feel the unchanging kindness of your hometown, no matter how far away you are.

Shall I head home?Saburō Kitajima

“Kairo Kana” by Saburo Kitajima (HD)

Kitajima Saburō’s song “Kaerokana” expresses the feeling of worrying about the mother you left behind in your hometown.

Released in 1965 as Kitajima’s 12th single, it was produced for the “Song of the Month” segment on NHK’s variety show “Yume de Aimashou,” which also gave rise to classics like Kyu Sakamoto’s “Ue o Muite Arukō.” The lyrics, which capture the wavering sentiment of being homesick—torn between going back and deciding not to—resonated deeply with many people working away from home, became a huge hit, and went on to sell a million copies.

Tokyo HymnBUMP OF CHICKEN

Tokyosanka

This song is marked by an emotive melody that gently embraces the loneliness and hope of those who move to the big city.

It carefully depicts the feelings of people who, while bewildered by the differences from their hometowns, strive to move forward in pursuit of their dreams.

Even as it faces the harshness of reality, it serves as a warm anthem of support for those taking a new step in the city.

Included as the B-side to the October 2007 single “Hana no Na,” it was released alongside the theme song for the film Always: Sunset on Third Street 2.

The following year, it was also featured on the album present from you.

It’s a song that stays close to those who feel anxious about life in Tokyo or who are living away from home.

With BUMP OF CHICKEN’s signature delicate production and resonant message, it gently supports the hearts of those striving in the city.

homeYusaku Kiyama

Yusaku Kiyama / home

This is a gem of a ballad filled with gratitude for family.

A father’s straightforward love for his child, and the joy and bittersweetness of watching that child grow, resonate gently over a warm melody.

Yusaku Kiyama, who made his major debut through the audition segment of the variety show “UtaSta!!,” went on to achieve the significant milestone of performing at the 59th NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen.

The song was featured as the ending theme for Nippon TV’s “UtaSta!!” and Yomiuri TV’s “Joho Live Miyane-ya,” becoming a work that speaks to many hearts.

This piece is perfect for moments when you want to once again feel the bond between parent and child and the love of family, as well as for those living away from home who long for their hometown.

I'm going to Tokyo.Ikuzo Yoshi

I'm going to Tokyo.

It’s a song released by Ikuzo Yoshi in 1984.

It tells the story of leaving a rural hometown to head for Tokyo.

In 1985, Shochiku released a film based on this song as its theme.

You can really feel the strong determination to work hard in Tokyo from it.

ROOTSMEGARYU

MEGARYU / ROOTS

MEGARYU is a reggae duo that gained popularity for lyrics with powerful, uplifting messages.

Their first single “ROOTS,” also included on their third full album Jet Stream, is a comfortable track where a gentle melody rides on an off-beat rhythm, contrasted with soulful rap.

The lyrics, which portray an unchanging love for one’s hometown even as time passes, may remind you of the precious place we tend to forget in our busy days.

True to its title, it’s a heartwarming number that lets you face your roots.