Lovely nursery rhymes, folk songs, and children's songs

Songs of Iwate: The Heart of Our Hometown Passed Down in Song | A Collection of Classics to Enjoy While Thinking of Iwate

Accompanist / Piano InstructorYuri
Accompanist pianist × piano instructor × web writer. I began piano lessons at age four and, inspired by my piano teacher, decided to pursue music. I went on to specialized music programs in high school and university, where I discovered the appeal of accompanying instrumentalists and singers. Currently, alongside teaching piano, I work mainly in my home region of Aichi as an accompanist for flute, voice, choir, and more. Through lessons, my students often introduce me to trending songs, and my hobby is trying anything on the piano—Japanese and Western pop, commercial jingles, and beyond. Since 2021, I’ve also been active as a web writer, covering music and a variety of other genres.

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?

[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)

Hachimantai Travel SentimentsEmiko Urushihara

Hachimantai Travel Sentiments

Hachimantai Travel Sentiments by Emiko Urushihara

Emiko Urushihara, who is active as a folk singer, is from Miyako City in Iwate Prefecture, so it’s no surprise she would be asked to perform.

The lyrics to this refreshing-style song, however, are by the famed Tetsurō Hoshino, who visited Iwate many times to play golf.

The scenery of Hachimantai is etched in his memory, so he was able to write the lyrics quickly.

Although Hachimantai straddles Akita and Iwate Prefectures, in this song it serves as the Iwate-themed motif.

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Hanamaki UjōFujimoto Kanenosuke

Hanamaki Ujo Kadokawa Hiroshi Cover Hana no Shō

Hanamaki Ujō Fujimoto Hanayuki no Shō

When it comes to hot springs in Iwate Prefecture, the first that comes to mind is Hanamaki Onsen.

You can just picture the rising steam and the inns lined up along the hot spring town.

The original song is by Hiroshi Kadokawa, known as a hidden gem of enka.

Kadokawa is widely praised for his vocal ability, and back in the Showa era there were TV shows where not only comedians but also singers impersonated other singers.

The impressions of Masako Mori and Hiroshi Kadokawa were top-notch.

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A lone pineMasao Sen

One Pine Tree Masao Sen (2011) Full Chorus

Kazumasa Sen Masa'o of a single pine

Rikuzentakata City in Iwate Prefecture was once a scenic spot thick with about 70,000 pine trees, designated as part of the Rikuchu Coast Park and selected as one of the One Hundred Views of Japan.

However, the great tsunami of March 11 destroyed almost all of the pines, and miraculously, a single tree remained standing.

It became a symbol of hope not only for the disaster area but for the entire country.

Although the pine ultimately died because its roots rotted, it has been preserved as a monument.

Composer Toru Funamura, who wished to leave this as a song, personally asked Masao Sen to sing it.

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In conclusion

I introduced songs themed around Iwate.

These works capture the charm of Iwate—hometo Kenji Miyazawa and Takuboku Ishikawa—and its rich nature and history, from the Konjikidō at Chūson-ji Temple to the Sanriku Coast.

Please experience the world of Iwate, where the abundant seasons and warm-hearted spirit of its people live on, together with the music.