[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] Recommended Tracks Filled with Masterpieces and Hometown Pride from Across Japan (41–50)
osmanthus (fragrant orange osmanthus; sweet olive)LUNKHEAD
LUNKHEAD’s song “Kinmokusei,” created by members from Niihama City in Ehime Prefecture, is filled with vocalist Yoshitaro Odaka’s feelings for his hometown, layered over his own high school days.
The lyrics weave in local scenery like Besshiyama and the Hiuchi-nada Sea, and along with the sweet, wistful fragrance of osmanthus, they awaken the youthful memories we all keep tucked away.
The image of tossing a school uniform—still a bit early for the seasonal change—into a bicycle basket feels like a scene from a film.
It’s a song that gently wraps the hearts of everyone who longs for their hometown.
[Local Songs] Must-listen masterpieces and hometown-pride-filled songs from across Japan (51–60)
STU48 Ehime ver.STU48
A local song overflowing with love for Ehime by STU48, a group based across the seven Setouchi prefectures.
This track, included on their debut single, makes its appeal unmistakably clear once you listen to the lyrics.
From tourist spots like Matsuyama Castle, the Shimanami Kaido, and the Botchan Train to specialties such as jakoten fish cakes and Imabari towels, Ehime’s “treasures” appear one after another.
It feels as if all the answers to “What is Ehime known for?” are packed into this one song.
Their refreshing vocals and the up-tempo melody are sure to vividly bring back memories of places you’ve visited.
A buoyant track that conveys their love for their hometown straight from the heart.
HospitalityIbaraki Young Master
Ibaraki Wakadanna is a unit formed as part of a tourism promotion for Ibaraki.
Their debut song, “O-MO-TE-NA-SHI,” is, as the title suggests, a welcome song filled with the spirit of hospitality.
Set to a melody reminiscent of nostalgic Showa-era pop, it conveys a warm sentiment toward those visiting Ibaraki.
Because the members actually work in lodging facilities, their message of “We’ve been waiting for you” carries genuine warmth and real persuasive power.
Just by listening, you can almost picture the entrance of an inn welcoming travelers and the gentle smiles of the people of Ibaraki.
This song will surely make you want to set out on a journey to experience the charms of Ibaraki.
The Crows of TsukubaHaruo Minami
This is a local song set in Ibaraki by Haruo Minami, known as a nationally beloved singer.
The emotionally rich “kayō-rōkyoku” style, unique to a rōkyoku balladeer, vividly portrays the scenery of Tsukuba and the human warmth that resides there.
The word “aho-garasu” (foolish crow) that appears in the lyrics likely symbolizes the protagonist’s helpless feelings and homesickness as he travels far from home.
Listening to Minami’s powerful yet gentle voice, you can almost see the sun setting over the banks of the Tone River and the scenes of Morokawa-juku.
It’s a deeply moving song filled with the spirit of Ibaraki and the bittersweet longing for one’s hometown.
Our hometown6th grade, Bekku Elementary School, Imabari City
Our Hometown is a song created by the 6th graders of Bekku Elementary School in Imabari City together with singer-songwriter Jinto Tanaka.
The charms of Imabari, woven by the children themselves, ride on a gentle, soothing melody that resonates in the heart—a heartwarming community-made song.
The lyrics feature local specialties like “soft and fluffy towels,” conveying their deep affection for their hometown.
As they approach graduation, their pure, straightforward voices seem to stir nostalgia in listeners and gently wrap them in warmth.
A town with a skyLyrics and Music by Tatsurō Mashiko
This is the official song of Hitachiota City, written by Tatsurou Mashiko—renowned for composing “Hanamizuki”—as a special piece for his hometown.
Its profoundly poetic and beautiful lyrics are a major draw, and simply listening conjures up gentle satoyama scenery: an endlessly spreading blue sky, clear streams where kingfishers dart about.
The universally nostalgic melody is exactly what you’d expect from a hitmaker.
For those living away from home, it will likely rekindle warm memories and spark a sudden longing to return.
A masterpiece that tenderly sings of the bond between people and nature, it quietly stays close to the heart.
Toride Citizens' Song ~A New Tomorrow~Lyrics and Composition: Takayoshi Tanimoto
This is the new civic song of Toride City, created by singer-songwriter Takayoshi Tanimoto, known for theme songs such as those for the anime Dragon Ball Kai.
The song is a cheer for the future, crafted together with citizens to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the city’s establishment.
The lyrics are sprinkled not only with symbols of nature like the city birds—the owl and the kingfisher—but also with words contributed by citizens through a public call.
As you listen to Tanimoto’s characteristically upbeat, rock-flavored melody, you can almost picture a hopeful “new tomorrow.” It’s a song that will surely warm the hearts not only of Toride’s residents but of all people who love their hometowns.