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

[Local Songs] Recommended tracks packed with Japan’s nationwide classics and hometown pride

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.

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.

[Local Songs] Must-Listen Classics and Hometown-Proud Favorites from Across Japan (111–120)

Woman of KisoSaburō Kitajima

Woman of Kiso

Kiso no Onna by Saburo Kitajima

Set against the deep mountain valleys of the Kiso Road, this is one of Saburo Kitajima’s signature entries in his “Woman Series,” expressing complex feelings toward one’s hometown.

Released in October 1973, the song brilliantly fuses Tetsuro Hoshino’s poetic lyrics with Nobuo Shimazu’s wistful melody.

Through Kitajima’s powerful kobushi vocal style, it richly conveys the emotions of a woman living amid Kiso’s harsh natural landscape.

For those who have left their hometown, or who have experienced farewells to important people at life’s turning points, the poignant sentiments woven into this piece will resonate deeply.

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Alone on the Shinano RoadYuri Harada

Alone on the Shinano Road

Shinano Road, Alone – Yuri Harada

This is a song by Yuri Harada, released in January 1997, that sings of longing for one’s hometown through the mindset of a solo journey.

Against the backdrop of Shinshu’s beautiful scenery, it delicately portrays a woman’s loneliness and nostalgia as she traces her travels.

Harada’s richly expressive vocals superbly convey the protagonist’s deep-seated yearning and wistfulness, resonating profoundly with listeners.

The melancholy melody line gives it a classic enka feel that evokes the nature and climate of Shinshu.

It’s a recommended track for those living away from their hometown or for anyone who cherishes solitary moments at life’s turning points.

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Woman of the Kiso RoadYuri Harada

Kisoji Woman — Showa Song — Yuri Harada

Yuri Harada, the Woman of the Kiso Road

Set against the beautiful Kiso Road, this masterpiece of enka artfully portrays a woman’s poignant longing and lingering love.

Its wistful melody is interwoven with traditional Japanese imagery, while Yuri Harada’s powerful yet delicate vocals resonate deeply.

Released in September 1985, the song sold 180,000 copies and ultimately became a million-seller, helping to establish Harada’s status as an enka singer.

It’s a must-listen for those who have experienced farewells in life, who feel a deep connection to their hometown, or who are moved by Japan’s beautiful landscapes.

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Space and NaganoOkazaki Taiiku

Okazaki Taiiku “Space and Nagano” Music Video

Space and Nagano Okazaki Taiiku

This work captures the complex yet affectionate feelings Okazaki Taiiku holds for his hometown.

Released in March 2024 as one of the tracks on the digital-only EP “Suplex,” this song features a melody line that reportedly came together in just about five minutes—so naturally that he himself has called it a “throwaway track.” Through the contrasting motifs of the vastness of space and the nearness of home, it carefully portrays the sense of emotional distance and belonging we experience in everyday life.

It’s a song best savored by those living away from their hometown of Nagano, or anyone who finds themselves wanting to reflect on their roots.

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Rain in AzuminoEtsuko Shimazu

Rain in Azumino

Etsuko Shimazu of Ame in Azumino

One of Etsuko Shimazu’s signature songs, in which the rain falling in the Shinshu mountains resonates deep in the heart.

Haruo Yoshioka’s lyrics weave together the joy and pain of love, while Tetsuya Gen’s wistful melody beautifully portrays a heartrending romance.

Released by King Records in June 2003, the song has also been included in the albums “Etsuko Shimazu Complete Collection 2013” and “Etsuko Shimazu Best Selection 2014,” and has long remained beloved.

It is a song that gently accompanies those who carry memories of their hometown or past love in their hearts, and those standing at a turning point in life.

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Lake Nojiri AloneKaori Mizumori

Nojiri Lake Alone / Kaori Mizumori 2020

Nojiri Lake Alone - Kaori Mizumori

This is a gem of a regional enka song, richly performed by Kaori Mizumori, capturing the feelings of a woman trying to heal a broken heart on the quiet shores of a Shinshu lake.

Against the beautiful scenery of Lake Nojiri, it vividly portrays her poignant resolve to sever ties with the past.

Released in April 2005 as the B-side to the single “Gonō Line,” it was also included on her 10th anniversary album the same year.

Highly recommended for those facing the end of a romance or seeking a fresh start at a turning point in life.

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The Bride of SetoRumiko Koyanagi

Seto no Hanayome by Rumiko Koyanagi (Showa 47 [1972])

Seto no Hanayome Rumiko Koyanagi

Set in the islands of the Seto Inland Sea, this 1972 release portrays a young woman’s wedding journey.

It is one of the signature songs by Rumiko Koyanagi, who debuted with “Watashi no Jokamachi” in 1970 and won the Best New Artist Award at the 13th Japan Record Awards.

The song delicately captures the complex emotions of a bride heading toward her beloved—an intermingling of resolve and anxiety.

Widely embraced by audiences, it also won the 3rd Japan Kayō Awards.

Why not listen to it while picturing the beautiful scenery of the Seto Inland Sea, celebrating the start of a new chapter in life?

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