[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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- [Kyoto Songs] Masterpieces that sing about Kyoto — songs themed on the ancient capital. The enduring heart of our hometown passed down in song.
- A famous song about Fukuoka. The heart of the hometown passed down through song.
- A classic song that celebrates Niigata. The enduring spirit of our hometown passed down through song.
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- [Songs of Kagoshima] The heart of our hometown carried on in song | A curated selection of classic tracks that embody Kagoshima
- A classic song about Nagano. The enduring spirit of our hometown passed down through song.
- A classic song that sings of Nagasaki: the enduring heart of our hometown
- Songs related to Mie Prefecture. Beloved local tunes of Mie that continue to be cherished.
[Local Songs] Must-listen tracks from across Japan: iconic hits and hometown-pride favorites (121–130)
Trace ~Footprints~JA So-o Kagoshima's original song
A heartwarming song filled with love for Kagoshima’s land and its people.
Its gentle melody conveys the region’s rich nature, the efforts of those who came before, and hope for the children of the future.
Completed in June 2020, the piece inspired a dance video in April 2021 aimed at energizing workplaces and local communities, featuring staff and officers dancing together—a performance that became a talking point.
It is a song that resonates across generations, serving as a spiritual hometown for those living away from Kagoshima and a source of pride for locals.
A must-listen for anyone who cherishes the future of agriculture and the bonds within the community.
Fukushima personave
This is a signature work by ave, a singer-songwriter from Fukushima Prefecture, whose heartfelt longing for home resonates deeply.
Having composed multiple songs about Fukushima, ave’s voice has continually encouraged local residents.
After being included on the mini-album “Boku no Uta wa, Kimi no Uta Sore ga Fuku no Uta,” released in June 2011 just after the Great East Japan Earthquake, the song was performed at local reconstruction support events and at “KazetoRock LIVE Fukushima,” quietly connecting with people’s hearts.
It is a gem of a song that sings of the pride and bonds of the people of Fukushima, gently standing with those who hold hope for recovery.
Talarira Sanriku Reconstruction Support Versionunderpath!
This is a song created by underpath!, a group based in Iwate Prefecture, as a message of support for disaster-stricken areas.
Set to a bright and lively melody, it portrays the beautiful scenery of the Sanriku region and the warmth of its people, delivering courage and hope to listeners.
Produced in cooperation with the NHK Morioka Broadcasting Station, the official music video was released around 2020.
It’s recommended for those who want to rediscover the charms of Iwate or support disaster-affected areas through music.
Let the warm vocals wrap around you as you reflect on Iwate’s seasonal landscapes.
Give me your heart[Official] Kure City, Hiroshima Prefecture Original Song
![Kimi Kure Heart [Official] Original Song of Kure City, Hiroshima Prefecture](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/Bu7C1RYDOZo/sddefault.jpg)
An official song from Kure City in Hiroshima Prefecture overflowing with local pride, conveying a deep love and pride for one’s hometown.
Realized in January 2019 at the long-held wish of Kure’s PR character “Kureshi,” the song features a pure, nostalgic melody.
Produced by Ryosuke Imai—known for work on Namie Amuro’s “Hero” and Hiroshima-born artist TEE—it successfully expresses Kure City’s appeal through music.
As part of the city’s promotional activities, dance lesson videos and sheet music for various instruments have been released, drawing attention as a citizen-participation project.
This is a recommended track for anyone who wants to express hometown love through music or experience Hiroshima’s culture.
[Local Songs] Recommended Tracks Filled with Hometown Pride: Beloved Classics from Across Japan (131–140)
Song of the Puppy SiblingsIwate/Hiraizumi Tourism Campaign Executive Committee
This heartwarming, hometown-pride-filled song is packed with the charms of Iwate.
The lyrics, featuring the lively “Wanko Kyodai” characters modeled on specialties from across the prefecture, gently embrace Iwate’s nature and culture.
With an approachable, catchy pop melody, it’s a tune that makes you want to sing along.
Released in June 2008 as part of the “Iwate–Hiraizumi Tourism Campaign,” this piece played an important role in showcasing Iwate’s appeal far and wide.
Give it a listen before visiting Iwate, and your wanderlust will grow even more.
Come on! Party! Kanoya Kanpachi!Government worker
A pop tune that cheerfully introduces Kanoya City, Kagoshima’s specialty: greater amberjack (kanpachi).
With lively vocals and lyrics brimming with hometown pride, it creatively expresses the deliciousness of kanpachi and the passion of the fishermen, brightening your mood.
Released in 2015 as part of a regional revitalization project, the song has been performed at various events, including “Hakata Kanpachi Jack” in the JR Hakata Station front plaza.
It’s a recommended track for anyone who wants to experience Kagoshima’s climate and culture, is interested in local specialties, or just needs an energy boost.
Soul of TohokuGroup Soul
A rock song filled with love and laughter, infused with the spirit and soul of Tohoku, sets Iwate’s heart ablaze.
Blending Group Tamashii’s unique humor with deep affection for the Tohoku region, this work bursts with hometown pride.
Released as a single in June 2004, it was created by Tohoku-connected members: lyrics by Kankuro Kudo from Miyagi Prefecture and music by Taku Tomizawa.
In 2014, an alternative version incorporating Buddhist-chant elements was also released.
It’s a piece that warms the hearts of people from Iwate living away from home—one to listen to while picturing Tohoku’s beautiful landscapes and rich culture.