Miyagi Songs: Popular tracks that celebrate famous sights and specialties, and timeless pieces filled with love for home
Miyagi Prefecture has flourished as the gateway to the Tohoku region and developed into one of Japan’s leading cities.
Its climate, unique culture, rich natural surroundings, and charming cityscapes have been celebrated in countless songs over the years.
In this article, we’ve picked out “Songs of Miyagi” that let you feel the prefecture’s allure through music.
From classic tracks that capture Miyagi’s landscapes, to local anthems by popular artists, to humorous novelty songs, we’ll introduce music brimming with love for Miyagi.
Be sure to listen and let your thoughts wander to the land of Miyagi!
[Miyagi Songs] Popular Tracks Celebrating Landmarks and Local Specialties & Beloved Classics Filled with Hometown Love (1–10)
Ah, Miyagi PrefectureDanjiro Yoshikawa
This is a song brimming with love for Miyagi, memorable for its Tohoku-accented lyrics and humorous melody.
Even as the protagonist is bewildered by the dazzling neon lights of the big city, you can feel their pure affection for home in the way they think of the region’s world-renowned rice and its beautiful landscapes.
The repeated “dandan” rhythm sticks in your head after a single listen and naturally lifts your spirits.
Released as a single in April 1976, this piece may warm your heart—especially if you’re working hard away from home or want to let your thoughts drift to Miyagi.
Aoba Castle Love SongMuneyuki Sato
From the very introduction, this is a local song that somehow puts you at ease.
It doesn’t overtly tout the region’s virtues; it simply sings about the ordinary scenery that’s just there.
The melody and lyrics are striking, conveying the purity of the water and the lushness of nature.
It’s a classic that has long been cherished by the people of Sendai.
Miss SendaiAkiko Futaba
This song nostalgically sings of the beautiful four seasons in Sendai, the City of Forests, and a faint budding romance born in the castle town.
You can almost picture the babbling of the Hirose River and the streets below Aoba Castle; listening to it feels like time-traveling to the good old Sendai.
Released in July 1936, the piece recently drew renewed attention as a charming work when it was used as an insert song in the NHK morning drama Yell.
For those living away from their hometown, it will gently resonate with memories of Sendai’s nostalgic scenery.
Ah, Miyagi Prefecture - Chapter 2Danjiro Yoshikawa
Wishing for recovery from the Great East Japan Earthquake, this is a support song into which Danjuro Yoshikawa poured his love for his hometown.
Created in response to fans’ requests as a new version of a classic originally released in April 1976, it was unveiled in June 2011.
Featuring Miyagi specialties and landmarks such as rice and Matsushima, the piece radiates local pride.
It will surely resonate with those connected to Miyagi, and its warmth and strength gently encourage anyone facing hardship.
Midnight, Sendai’s Kokubuncho.Haji→
This is a hometown-love-filled song by Haji→ that humorously sings about the lively nightlife of Kokubuncho, Sendai’s entertainment district.
The sound, with a timbre reminiscent of the shamisen and elements of enka and festival music woven together, is a full-on festive romp.
It comically portrays how people end up cutting loose at parties with friends, and just listening to it puts you in a cheerful mood.
The track first appeared on the mini-album “Hajibam.” released in January 2011, and later was included with a new arrangement on the 2014 album “Meccha☆Hajibam.
+1.” If you listen to it while imagining a night in Miyagi, you might find a whole new way to enjoy it.
Gokai☆Go-DanceMiyagi Prefecture × MELOGAPPA
This song expresses the creativity and warmth of caregiving through a bright, danceable tune.
Its lyrics celebrate the value of choosing, of your own free will, to stand by someone—not just doing what you’re told—which may resonate with many listeners.
Created in collaboration with the two-person creative duo MELOGAPPA, the piece was produced in November 2024 as part of the “Miyagi Care Supporters” initiative supporting care workers in Miyagi Prefecture.
Whether you’re interested in a career in caregiving or you’re someone who strives to achieve something together with others in your daily life, you may find it to be an encouraging anthem that gently gives you a push forward.
Shining HometownMiyagi Prefectural Anthem
This song celebrates the strong will of the people toward postwar reconstruction and their deep love for their homeland.
Alongside prayers for a peaceful era, it portrays the beautiful scenery of the Sendai Plain, the bountiful gifts of the sea and mountains, and the hope of building a future culture.
Originally released as an SP record in September 1948, it was performed by a middle school choir at the 150th anniversary ceremony of Miyagi Prefecture in 2022—the first time in 21 years—bringing it back into the spotlight.
For those who wish to connect with Miyagi’s history and the sentiments of its people, its powerful melody will surely resonate deeply.