[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 (41–50)
To my hometownAki Yashiro
Aki Yashiro’s enka song “To My Hometown…” is a heartrending piece about the inner struggle of recalling a hometown’s sorrowful past.
The lyrics, which express the idea of “finding the strength to live by holding onto the hope of returning home, even in hard times,” will likely resonate with those working hard in the city while dreaming of someday going back.
In particular, the song is written from a woman’s perspective, so I especially recommend it to female listeners.
Yashiro’s sorrowful yet somehow gentle voice may just move you to tears.
homeAyaka
“Home,” a track on singer-songwriter Ayaka’s album Funtale, features warm lyrics that convey the importance of family.
The gentle piano in the intro and her clear, transparent voice strongly evoke the warmth and irreplaceable joy of having family.
The music video, which uses childhood photos to evoke the love of family, enhances the song’s appeal even further.
Why not give it a watch?
Home of My DreamsHiroyuki Izuta
Hiroyuki Izuta, often called the Paul McCartney of Japan, is a musician born in 1959 from Chiba Prefecture.
“Yume no Furusato” is a song he was personally asked to perform by Makoto Sugi for the JRA, and it was released as a single in April 1992 with lyrics that differ from the commercial version.
countrysideKoji Tamaki
Released as a single on July 21, 1996, it was used as the theme song for the Fuji TV drama “Coach,” in which she herself appeared.
It’s an uplifting anthem with a bright tone that encourages people who are struggling and feel they can’t do anything, telling them that just being alive is enough.
When you become afraid of living, listening to this song will surely give you courage.
cherry blossom colorAngela Aki
Angela Aki’s fifth single.
It’s probably a song many of you have heard, as it can be considered one of her signature tracks.
It is said to express her feelings about Washington, her second hometown where she spent her youth.
The arrangement was handled by Seiji Kameda.
HOMEShota Shimizu
Shota Shimizu’s “HOME” is a song about the inner conflict of not being able to return to your hometown.
While it looks back on local memories, the lyrics suggest quietly tucking them away in your heart—something many people who can’t easily go back home will likely relate to.
Whether it’s being too busy with work to return, not being emotionally ready to face family, or having various circumstances that keep you away, listening to this song feels like it speaks on your behalf and naturally puts you at ease.
Country SongAyumu Yamashita
This is a warm, nostalgic song that deeply resonates with people living away from their hometowns.
Ayumu Yamashita’s gentle voice vividly evokes rural scenery and the warmth of its people.
Since its release in July 2015, it has generated significant buzz on social media, surpassing 2 million views on Facebook and being retweeted over 80,000 times on Twitter.
The lyrics, themed around relatable “country life” moments, have drawn widespread empathy, bringing both laughter and tears.
This work can truly be called a song that becomes a spiritual hometown, soothing the hearts of those who miss where they came from amid their busy days.