A classic song about Nagano. The enduring spirit of our hometown passed down through song.
The Hotaka Mountain Range of the Northern Alps, the night view of Lake Suwa, the timeless flow of the Chikuma River.
Blessed with abundant nature, Nagano has long been cherished by many artists as the stage for songs that resonate in the heart.
In this article, we’ve picked out songs related to Nagano from a wide range of genres, including folk songs, enka, and J-pop.
We present a selection of gems that depict the beauty of Nagano—its stunning seasonal landscapes and the feelings of the people who live there, woven together.
Please enjoy them at your leisure, whether reminiscing about Nagano’s scenery or looking forward to the day you visit.
A classic song that sings of Nagano. The enduring spirit of our hometown (1–10)
Song of Nagano PrefectureKurumi Asakura
A heartwarming song by Kurumi Asakura that openly sings of her love for her hometown, surrounded by the mountains of Shinshu.
The lyrics, sprinkled with scenes of Nagano’s beautiful landscapes and local anecdotes, convey a deep nostalgia for the days spent in her hometown.
Carefully crafted over the course of about a year, this work is a piece overflowing with love for Nagano.
Its bright, approachable melody will resonate deeply not only with those from Nagano Prefecture, but also with anyone living away from their hometown.
Shinano ProvinceHimegami, Mystera, Feo
It’s a song so familiar locally that they say every resident of Nagano can sing it.
There’s even a survey suggesting that 80% of residents can! What wonderful prefectural pride.
Since the lyrics include place names in Nagano and famous tourist spots, it’s an intriguing tune for anyone looking to visit Nagano Prefecture.
Kiso-bushiNagano Prefectural Folk Song
It is a representative folk song of the Kiso region in Nagano Prefecture that sings of the Kiso mountains and local life.
It is said to have originated in the Edo to Meiji periods, when people engaged in logging and timber transport sang it during breaks from work or at festivals.
It features distinctive phrasing with traditional Japanese instruments such as the shamisen, shakuhachi, and taiko, along with a plaintive melody.
From the 20th century onward, it became known nationwide after being covered by enka singers like Yukio Hashi and Haruo Minami.
In addition to being beloved at local festivals, events, and tourism promotions, it has also been used in films and television dramas.
Space and NaganoOkazaki 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.
Bonfire of the WindMasashi Sada
A richly expressive ballad, quiet yet imbued with deep emotion, included on the June 1979 album “Yume Kuyo.” Like a bonfire swaying in the wind, it delicately portrays, through lyrics and melody, people who live both fleetingly and with strength—an emblematic piece of Masashi Sada’s musical sensibility.
While rooted in folk, the arrangement incorporates elements of classical and pop, and the poetic, vividly descriptive lyrics—evocative of Nagano—resonate deeply.
A masterpiece to listen to when you want to quietly feel nostalgia for your hometown and the bittersweetness of life.
Woman of the Kiso RoadYuri Harada
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.
Komoro Packhorse Driver's SongNagano Prefectural Folk Song
This is a traditional folk song from Komoro City that has long been cherished as a work song for packhorse drivers walking steep mountain trails with their horses.
Those engaged in the grueling task of transporting goods sang it to encourage their horses and sustain their own spirits amid harsh natural conditions.
Its plaintive melody conveys both the hardships of labor in the mountains and a sense of reverence for nature, as well as the bonds among companions.
Recorded from the early to mid-Showa period, it began to be performed at local festivals and events and has been carefully preserved as part of local cultural conservation efforts.
It’s recommended for anyone who wants to feel the spirit of Shinshu’s landscape or experience Japan’s traditional culture.