Miyagi Songs: Popular tracks that celebrate famous sights and specialties, and timeless pieces filled with love for home

Naruko GorgeKaori Mizumori

Kaori Mizumori “Naruko Gorge” Music Video (released January 19, 2021)

Set against one of Miyagi Prefecture’s most celebrated autumn foliage spots, this song portrays the feelings of a woman traveling alone while holding the memory of her beloved, now departed.

It’s said that Kaori Mizumori’s own profound grief over the loss of her father is reflected in her vocals, yet the piece is more than sorrow.

Many listeners may be moved by the warmth that feels like the deceased watching over her, as well as the sense of hope that looks toward tomorrow.

Released as a single in January 2021, it became her 18th consecutive Top 10 entry on the Oricon charts.

It’s an ideal companion for a journey spent remembering someone dear.

Uma-velousMONKEY MAJIK × Sandwichman

MONKEY MAJIK × Sandwichman / UMAVEROUS (with lyrics)

It’s the ultimate party tune by MONKEY MAJIK and Sandwichman, who are both emblematic of Miyagi.

This track was created around Sandwichman’s Mikio Date’s famous “zero-calorie theory.” The lyrics even feature Miyagi specialties like gyutan (grilled beef tongue) and zunda mochi, radiating plenty of hometown pride.

Set to an authentic disco sound, the playful line “Calories can’t withstand high heat, so deep-fried food is fine!” will surely lift listeners’ spirits.

Once you hear it, the phrase “Umaverous” will stick in your head—an irresistibly fun song through and through.

Total good-luck spreeSendai Freight

Good Luck Galore MV

This is a track by Sendai Kamotsu that conjures up a raucously cheerful festival scene, as if the Seven Lucky Gods are throwing a grand feast and scattering good fortune.

Beneath the powerful rock sound and humor, you can feel a warm affection and a desire to energize their hometown, Miyagi.

Released in September 2021 to celebrate the band’s 20th anniversary and the 10th anniversary of their reactivation, the song also landed a tie-in with the sushi chain Sushizanmai.

Watching President Kiyoshi Kimura appear as Ebisu in the music video, you might find yourself overwhelmed by the sheer force of it all—and your worries could just blow away.

Matsushima TravelogueKaori Mizumori

Kaori Mizumori [Matsushima Travelogue] with Lyrics

Set against the beautiful scenery of Matsushima, one of Japan’s Three Most Scenic Spots, this travel-themed enka portrays the aching, helpless feelings of a woman journeying alone.

As she gazes at Godaido Hall shrouded in rain, her longing for someone she cannot forget tightens the heart.

Released in April 2010 as a single by Kaori Mizumori, the song reached No.

2 on the Oricon Weekly Chart, attesting to its broad popularity.

Why not listen to it during a quiet moment on your trip, letting yourself sink into a sentimental mood before such a beautiful view?

Oh! MiyagiKano Oga Benriken

[Kano Oga Benriken Theme Song] “Oh! Miyagi” Full Version MV

Set to an energetic punk sound, this is a Miyagi support song that boldly sings of love for its hometown.

Performed by comedian Eiko Kano and Panther’s Takahiro Ogata, the lyrics are packed with local landmarks and specialties, letting listeners vividly picture Miyagi’s scenery.

Released in June 2021 as the theme song for Sendai Broadcasting’s show “Kano Oga Benriken,” which the two appear on, the track reportedly had three arrangement candidates during production: punk, hip-hop, and rock ballad.

The choice of the punk version—perfectly matching the duo’s fiery personalities—speaks to the creators’ attention to detail.

Plan — When I return to Miyagi —Masatoshi Nakamura

“Plans ~ When I return to Miyagi ~” Kankuro Kudo, Masatoshi Nakamura, and Number the

If you’re from Miyagi Prefecture, you’ll probably find a lot to relate to.

Even people from other regions might recognize zunda mochi and Sasanishiki rice, but knowing “Beniland” or “odazumokko” is a true sign you’re from Miyagi! Beniland is a famous amusement park in Sendai, and odazumokko means a playful, mischievous person.

If you’re from Miyagi, definitely give it a listen—let it take you back home.

My beloved SendaiDanjiro Yoshikawa

Sendai travel ballad! “Beloved Sendai” music video. Vocals: Azusa Wata / Lyrics & Composition: Danjuro Kikkawa / Arrangement: Kenei Hayashi

It’s a deeply moving ballad that tenderly sings of profound nostalgia for Sendai.

The lyrics and music are by Danjuro Yoshikawa, a singer-songwriter who loves Miyagi.

Yoshikawa himself calls it “a wholehearted piece from the Reiwa-era Danjuro,” and the song, imbued with his long-held feelings for his hometown, was released in August 2019.

This work can be seen as a new Miyagi song that follows in the lineage of Yoshikawa’s signature piece, “Ah, Miyagi Prefecture.” If you live away from your hometown or want to reflect on the streets of Sendai, listening to it may well move your heart.