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 Classics to Listen to While Thinking of Iwate (31–40)
Rock-Splitting Cherry TreeWataru Mizuno
The Rock-Splitting Cherry Tree is a cherry tree over 360 years old that grew out of a crack in a granite boulder in Morioka City, Iwate Prefecture, and it’s one of Morioka’s spring sightseeing spots.
Seeing the blossoms bloom beautifully from the fissure in the rock—after enduring Iwate’s harsh winters—almost sounds like an encouragement: even when it’s tough, keep going! The original song is
The wind does not cease.Kohei Fukuda
This is a song that could only come from Kohei Fukuda, who is both a folk singer and an enka singer from Iwate Prefecture.
It seems to liken the wind blowing from Mount Iwate, full of masculine spirit, to life itself, and it must be because Kohei Fukuda has continued to devote himself, just like this song, honing his skills as a folk singer.
Travel Sentiments of HiraizumiRumiko Hayama
Hiraizumi, which is registered as a World Heritage site, has a lot of songs about it, doesn’t it? This song also mentions Tsukimizaka, and compared to “Michinoku Hiraizumi,” it sings about more specific World Heritage locations.
Since an English version has even been released, they may indeed be targeting foreign tourists.
It feels a bit lonely that, in contrast to the shining Golden Hall, the song portrays a woman waiting for the one she loves.
Nostalgic Hometown TavernMitsuko Nakamura
For those from Iwate—especially men—doesn’t this song really hit home? When I think of people from Tohoku, I can picture them casually drinking by the irori hearth.
As a child, I disliked seeing my father drunk, but now that I’m an adult, I’m the same way, and I hear the songs of my hometown.
It truly is a “nostalgic tavern,” isn’t it?
Kitakami Station of FarewellsHiroshi Inoue
It’s a song released in 1962, set at Kitakami Station in Iwate Prefecture, and in a way it feels like a prologue to Hiromi Ota’s later hit “Cotton Handkerchief.” Hiroshi Inoue was originally a rockabilly singer and was hugely popular among young women.
He had a sweet voice.
[Songs of Iwate] The Heart of Our Hometown Passed Down in Song | A Collection of Classics to Listen to While Thinking of Iwate (41–50)
Nambu wind chimeShohei Nariyo
Speaking of Iwate, Nanbu senbei and Nanbu ironware are well-known.
Though they are traditional items from ancient times, their excellent heat retention and dignified, weighty presence continue to be loved even today.
Nanbu wind chimes likewise evoke the feeling of summer in Iwate, and their tone truly stands apart.
When the sound of a wind chime is likened to tears, you can understand the feeling of longing for one’s hometown.
Poem of Miso SoupYoichi Higuchi
The original song is by Masao Sen, and he used to sing it wearing his familiar hat, long boots, and coat.
The impersonation master Korokke often mimicked him, too.
At that time, Mr.
Sen was married to Joan Shepherd, a blonde American, so there’s a nuance in the song that hints at his wife.
“A wife from Iwate Prefecture would be nice”—it’s a bit comical, but it’s actually quite a deep song.