[Local Songs] Recommended tracks packed with Japan’s nationwide classics and hometown pride
Across Japan, there are many “local songs” created around themes like regional climate and traditions, long-standing customs, hometown pride, and specialty foods.
However, few people are likely familiar with songs from places far from their own living area or hometown.
Some might even have spent years in a region without knowing its local songs at all.
In this article, we’ll introduce some highly impactful, must-hear local songs from across Japan that we hope many of you will get to know.
If it’s a place you’ve visited, try listening while picturing the local scenery.
If it’s somewhere you’ve never been, let the song help you imagine the land and the lives of the people who live there.
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[Local Songs] Must-listen masterpieces and hometown-love-filled recommendations from across Japan (61–70)
Moon-waiting Waterfall Love SongKaori Mizumori
This is a lyrical enka number performed by Kaori Mizumori, renowned as the “Queen of Local Songs,” set against the power spot Tsukimachi Falls in Daigo, Ibaraki Prefecture.
It portrays a single-minded, heartrending love that longs to meet someone no longer reachable—“even if only in a dream.” Mizumori’s clear, wistful voice blends beautifully with the waterfall’s serene, mystical atmosphere, leaving a deep impression on the listener’s heart.
Listening to this song may make you feel as though you’re standing amid the rich natural scenery of Ibaraki.
Matsuyama AirportKiyoshi Hikawa
Kiyoshi Hikawa, who shines beyond the boundaries of traditional enka, delivers a lyrical enka piece with Matsuyama Airport, set at the gateway to Ehime.
Carried by a wistful melody, the song portrays the protagonist’s aching feelings as they head to Matsuyama on the last flight from Haneda.
The emotionally rich lyrics seem to weave together lingering attachment to a love that ended in the city and a deep nostalgia for home.
Hikawa’s delicate, expressive vocals vividly depict both the Seto Inland Sea’s nightscape and the protagonist’s wavering heart.
It’s a song that gently embraces not only those from Ehime, but anyone living away from their hometown.
MITO!Jun Isoyama
It’s a funky cheer song overflowing with hometown love by Jun Isoyama, a singer-songwriter from Mito who also serves as the city’s “Mito Charm PR Director.” Set to a brisk, upbeat sound, it name-drops Mito’s specialties and landmarks one after another—natto, Kairakuen Garden, Lake Senba, and more.
Just listening makes you feel like you’re taking a cheerful stroll through the streets of Mito.
The playful phrases that evoke Mito Komon are sure to bring a smile to your face.
It’s a tune that will lift the spirits not only of Mito’s citizens but of anyone who loves Ibaraki.
Sada Misaki (Cape Sada)Ichiro Toba
A powerful paean to Sada Misaki in Ehime Prefecture by Ichiro Toba, a “man of the sea” with a background as a former fisherman.
The image of fishermen pursuing their dreams in the harsh Bungo Channel is vividly portrayed through Toba’s soul-stirring vocals.
It seems to boldly proclaim that the pride of those who live at Japan’s westernmost edge is so noble that even Mount Fuji, the nation’s highest peak, would pay it respect.
This song will set the hearts of all who love their hometowns ablaze—not only those connected to Ehime.
A masterpiece infused with the majestic scenery of Sada Misaki and the indomitable spirit of the people who live there.
Miyazaki BluesMiyako Otsuki
This is a local song set in Miyazaki, released in 1973 by Miyako Otsuki, who hails from Osaka and debuted in her teens.
The lyrics convey an inexhaustible longing for her hometown of Miyazaki, along with the loneliness felt on the road and a helpless yearning for love.
Otsuki’s emotionally rich, storytelling voice deeply resonates with listeners.
If you lend an ear to this song, you can almost picture a slightly melancholic Miyazaki nightscape—so different from the sunny, tropical face it’s known for.
It’s a piece that stirs the spirit of travel, don’t you think?
Takachiho Travel SentimentMiyuki Kawanaka
A lyrical song set in Takachiho, Miyazaki Prefecture, where the breath of myth can be felt, depicting the inner feelings of a woman.
It portrays the heartrending journey of someone who travels through places filled with memories, unable to forget a past love.
Throughout the lyrics, landmarks and traditions such as Kunimigaoka, Takachiho Gorge, and the Night Kagura appear.
Miyuki Kawanaka’s emotionally rich voice beautifully expresses both the majesty of Takachiho’s scenery and the protagonist’s loneliness.
Listening to this song may make you feel as if you yourself are standing amidst Takachiho’s deep natural surroundings.
It is a travel-inspired piece that vividly evokes the landscapes of Miyazaki.
Port Town Love SongNatsumi Kawano
This song by Natsumi Kawano, who hails from Tsukumi City in Oita Prefecture, portrays the bittersweet heart of a woman against the backdrop of her hometown port—her original landscape.
Place names such as the Bungo Channel appear in the lyrics, painting vivid scenes in the listener’s mind.
Kawano’s clear, resonant voice is like the sea breeze blowing through the port of Tsukumi.
As you listen, you may feel her warm love for her hometown conveyed deeply through the song.
If you’re from the same area as Kawano, be sure to give it a listen.