Songs of Iwate: The Heart of Our Hometown Passed Down in Song | A Collection of Classics to Enjoy While Thinking of Iwate
With melodies that resonate in the heart, Iwate’s beautiful scenery unfolds before your eyes.
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The culture rooted in this land and the lives of its people have become countless beloved songs that are still sung today.
The timeless history of the World Heritage site Hiraizumi, the mystical folklore of Tono, and the warm feelings of the people who live in the region.
The stories woven into each song are like a single painting capturing Iwate’s landscapes through the changing seasons.
In this article, we introduce gems of classic songs brimming with love for Iwate.
Why not let these songs stir your thoughts toward Iwate?
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[Songs of Iwate] The Heart of Our Hometown Passed Down in Song | A Collection of Masterpieces to Hear While Thinking of Iwate (11–20)
Sanriku ŌfunatoKenji Niinuma
Located in the southern coastal area of Iwate Prefecture, the city of Ofunato is a scenic tourist destination.
In particular, the Goishi Coast as seen from Goishi Cape—mentioned in the lyrics—is a beautiful shoreline that has been selected for numerous “Top 100” lists, including the 100 Best Beaches in Japan and the 100 Soundscapes of Japan.
This work is cherished by local residents as the image song of Ofunato City, which boasts such a stunning coastline.
Legends of TonoMitsutoshi Ambe & Misaki Usuzawa
It’s a beautiful piece that not only makes you feel nostalgic for your hometown but also makes you realize how irreplaceable it is.
The composer, Mitsutoshi Ambe, is also from Iwate Prefecture, and it seems Tono was his parents’ hometown.
The beautiful summer scenes of Tono he saw as a child must be etched in his heart.
With AllLyrics: Masaki Sawauchi & Yumiko Omori / Music: Mao Yoshida
This is a heartwarming support song from Iwate, imbued with prayers for recovery after the earthquake.
Set to a refreshing melody, it’s a memorable piece that brings feelings of hope and unity to the fore.
First unveiled as the theme song for a disaster recovery charity concert held in Morioka, Iwate Prefecture in November 2016, the song is performed by the “Morioka Kurukoi Family,” featuring members of the local band quad.
In 2020, a newly recorded version was produced as an encouraging message to those facing hardships during the pandemic.
It’s the perfect track for times when you want to feel that warm bond that keeps our hearts together, even when we’re apart.
Nanbu Cattle Drover's SongIwate Prefectural Folk Song
This is a folk song of Iwate Prefecture that, with its wistful melody and deep emotion, conveys the climate and history of the Nanbu region of Iwate to the present day.
Born as a work song for people driving cattle—indispensable for farming and transport—it has taken root in the community and been passed down across generations.
It was recorded in the early Showa period by Victor and Columbia, bringing it nationwide recognition.
Frequently featured in Iwate’s tourism promotions and educational programs, it is also an essential presence at local festivals and events.
Best enjoyed while envisioning Iwate’s majestic natural scenery, this piece is perfect for those who feel a longing for their hometown or who wish to experience traditional Japanese music.
Hometown WindYasutaka Shibata
A gem of a ballad woven from gratitude to one’s hometown and prayers for recovery.
Yasutaka Shibata’s powerful yet warm vocals seep deep into the heart in this masterpiece.
Both a majestic orchestral version and an inviting guitar version are included, each shining with its own charm.
Released in September 2016, the song was created as a support anthem for the recovery of Iwate Prefecture.
That same year, it was performed at the opening ceremony of the “Kibōkyō Iwate National Sports Festival” before Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress at the time.
It’s a piece you’ll want to listen to while envisioning Iwate’s beautiful landscapes.
Whether you live away from your hometown or wish for the recovery of disaster-affected areas, the “hometown breeze” carried by this song is sure to bring comfort to your heart.
Morioka BluesMina Aoe
This song was born from the NHK program “Anata no Melody.” There was a dream-like show where amateurs composed songs and professionals performed them.
Mina Aoe released this song and even performed it at that year’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen.
For the citizens at the time, it was a source of pride that Mina Aoe—who had released local-themed songs like “Isezakicho Blues” and “Ikebukuro no Yoru”—put out a track themed around Morioka.
Of course, it remains a beloved classic among locals to this day.
[Songs of Iwate] The Heart of Our Hometown Passed Down in Song | A Collection of Classics to Listen to While Thinking of Iwate (21–30)
Sanriku CoastMisaki Kanazawa
The original song is by Kaori Mizumori, who is famous as a local song singer, but Misaki Kanazawa is also a professional singer from Miyako City in Iwate Prefecture who sings about Iwate’s landmarks.
In “Sanriku Coast,” places like Jodogahama in Iwate Prefecture and the Port of Kuji appear, and the ferry’s whistle conveys a sense of sorrow.