[Hyogo Songs] A Collection of Local and Love Songs Set in Hyogo
What comes to mind when you hear “Hyogo”? For many, it’s likely a stream of charming images: stylish cityscapes, delicious cuisine, renowned hot spring resorts, rich arts and culture, and more.
In this article, we’ve gathered songs set in Hyogo Prefecture.
From enka that sings of bittersweet romances, to local tunes beloved by residents, to pieces that supported post-earthquake recovery—enjoy to your heart’s content these “Songs of Hyogo,” performed by artists from Hyogo and musicians who love the region!
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[Songs of Hyogo] A collection of local songs and love songs set in Hyogo (1–10)
Juu 10Self-styled Tourism Association
This is a local anthem overflowing with love for Hyogo, created by the Self-Proclaimed Tourism Association, which operates under the concept of “Mind your own business.” The punk rock–style riffs, evoking the sizzling sound of Kobe beef on a hot teppan, are really unique.
Hyogo’s specialties appear one after another—like Akashi octopus, the Ijinkan district, and Nada’s junmai sake—giving you the exhilarating feeling of touring the prefecture to a rock ’n’ roll beat.
The song first appeared on the February 2008 album “Self-Proclaimed Local Songs 47+1: Japan National Inn Recordings,” and it was re-recorded in 2013 with an arrangement by Gagaga SP.
Its boundlessly bright sound is a number that gives listeners a boost of energy.
I love you, Kobe.Tetsuya Gojo
A moody kayō ballad steeped in melancholy that coolly colors the nights of the port city Kobe.
Tetsuya Gojō, renowned for his “women’s songs,” takes a turn here, belting out the love-struck heart of a suave, world-weary man.
Released in January 2024 as the second installment of his Kansai series, this is his 12th single.
In pursuit of a cool, mature edge, the recording was reportedly redone twice—an attention to detail that showcases Gojō’s signature expressive power.
Put it on when you want to bask in memories of Kobe or quietly sip a drink at a bar, and you’ll likely find yourself immersed in its world.
Tunnel of LoveHalf-Boiled BLOOD
A track that paints a bittersweet love story about riding the train to see someone you like.
Created by Hanjuku BLOOD, a “railway-themed music group,” it’s a love song set on the trains of Kobe.
The racing heartbeat from bursting out of a tunnel to arriving at your destination, along with secret feelings you can’t tell anyone, are expressed dramatically with a whimsical, pop sound.
The song was produced in April 2016 as a cheer anthem for Hokushin Kyuko Railway’s mascot, Hokushin Yumeko, and was also included on the best-of album White.
How about it as a soundtrack when you want to savor the flutter of a one-sided crush, or when you’re touring the city of Kobe by train?
[Hyogo Songs] A Collection of Local and Love Songs Set in Hyogo (11–20)
Migratory Birds of HarimaFuyumi Sakamoto
A travel-tinged song by Fuyumi Sakamoto.
Released in September 2004, it’s set in the Harima region of Hyogo and portrays the lonely feelings of a protagonist who wanders like a migratory bird after leaving their hometown—truly heart-wrenching.
Sakamoto’s powerful voice and intricate vocal inflections, honed through rokyoku narrative singing, deepen the poignancy of the story’s world.
Its popularity is evident from her performance of the song at that year’s NHK Kouhaku Uta Gassen.
Why not immerse yourself in the scenery of Harima and sing it as if you were the protagonist?
Summer BreezeMoeko Matsushita
This song captivates with a refreshing yet bittersweet feel, as if washing away the pain of heartbreak on a summer seaside.
Sung by Moeko Matsushita, a native of Kobe in Hyogo Prefecture, the lyrics feature Suma Beach in Kobe.
You can picture the protagonist, spending time with dear friends, overcoming a tear-stained heart and looking ahead.
The sparkling sound and gentle vocals are soothing, and the vivid imagery is deeply moving.
The track is included on the single “Ame,” released in January 2003, and it also served as an ending theme for a TV anime.
If you listen to it when you’re feeling a bit sentimental, its charm may resonate even more.
Even if we part... KobeHiroya Hama
Set on the mist-shrouded Port of Kobe at night, this moving song portrays a painful farewell to a loved one.
Performed by Hiroya Hama, a specialist in mood kayō, it was released as a single in July 2003 and marked his first work after changing record labels.
The piece traces its roots to a song by the chorus group Tokyo Monarda.
The protagonist’s helpless sorrow—choosing to part precisely because he loves—comes through poignantly in Hama’s voice, which blends urban allure with crystalline clarity.
For anyone who carries the memory of an unforgettable love, this song will gently stay by your side.
Port, hills, and foreign residencesAyumi Ishida
A classic song that vividly evokes scenes of Kobe, sung by Ayumi Ishida, who also has a distinguished career as an actress.
Set on the sloping streets overlooking the harbor and among the foreigner residences, it portrays the poignant feelings of a woman who keeps waiting for the lover who has left.
It expresses the helpless yearning of someone who tries to accept the end of love yet can’t help chasing after lingering traces, tightening the listener’s chest.
Released in November 1977, this was Ishida’s 50th single and was also performed at that year’s NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen.
Why not listen to it on a night when you want to be alone and immerse yourself in its wistful melody?