A classic song about Nagano. The enduring spirit of our hometown passed down through song.

a hundred stepsFun-de-Led

[76th Kenryo Festival Theme Song] Hyappo / Fun-de-Led

Created by volunteer current students of Matsumoto Kenryogaoka High School to mark the school’s milestone 100th anniversary, this song pairs a bright, fast-paced pop-rock sound with a sprightly saxophone melody that adds a distinctive accent, blending youthful freshness with a sense of celebration.

The lyrics reflect both the century-long history the school has built and a resolve to embrace a new future, inspiring a positive outlook in listeners.

First unveiled at the 76th Kenryo Festival in July 2023, the track has achieved an exceptional number of plays for a school-originated song.

It’s a piece we hope will resonate with anyone who cherishes memories of youth and their hometown, as well as those standing at the start of a new chapter.

Chikuma Ko-utaLyrics by Fuyokyu Masaki / Music by Shimpei Nakayama

Chikuma Ko-uta

This is an evocative kouta (short traditional song) with lyrics by Fuyokyu Masaki and music by Shimpei Nakayama, born in the hot spring region along the Chikuma River.

Created in the early Showa era to convey the charms of Togura-Kamiyamada Onsen, the piece is a masterpiece that exudes Nakayama’s distinctive “Shimpei-bushi,” imbued with love for his hometown of Nagano.

Its Japanese-style melody, using the yonanuki scale, beautifully expresses the atmosphere of the hot-spring town and the flow of the Chikuma River.

Beloved at local events and in tourism promotions, the song is also presented at the Shimpei Nakayama Memorial Museum along with his achievements.

Through the steam of the baths, nostalgic scenes are sure to come to mind.

Woman of KisoSaburō Kitajima

Woman of Kiso

Set against the deep mountain valleys of the Kiso Road, this is one of Saburo Kitajima’s signature entries in his “Woman Series,” expressing complex feelings toward one’s hometown.

Released in October 1973, the song brilliantly fuses Tetsuro Hoshino’s poetic lyrics with Nobuo Shimazu’s wistful melody.

Through Kitajima’s powerful kobushi vocal style, it richly conveys the emotions of a woman living amid Kiso’s harsh natural landscape.

For those who have left their hometown, or who have experienced farewells to important people at life’s turning points, the poignant sentiments woven into this piece will resonate deeply.

Komoro Love SongEisaku Okawa

Eisaku Okawa - Komoro Love Song (sung by the artist himself)

A song that expresses the feelings of an older brother, who has acted like a father, worrying about his younger sister who has married and moved to the city.

Some listeners may find themselves empathizing with his concern for her future.

The poem mentions two place names in Nagano Prefecture: Komoro and Mount Asama.

“The old song we used to sing” may be referring to the Nagano folk song “Komoro Mago-uta.”

Alone on the Shinano RoadYuri Harada

Alone on the Shinano Road

This is a song by Yuri Harada, released in January 1997, that sings of longing for one’s hometown through the mindset of a solo journey.

Against the backdrop of Shinshu’s beautiful scenery, it delicately portrays a woman’s loneliness and nostalgia as she traces her travels.

Harada’s richly expressive vocals superbly convey the protagonist’s deep-seated yearning and wistfulness, resonating profoundly with listeners.

The melancholy melody line gives it a classic enka feel that evokes the nature and climate of Shinshu.

It’s a recommended track for those living away from their hometown or for anyone who cherishes solitary moments at life’s turning points.

Scarred KaruizawaBread and butter

Karuizawa Full of Scars, Bread & Butter

This early masterpiece, released to the world in September 1969 as a debut single, is a song about a summer romance at a resort.

Its lyrics depict moments in Karuizawa with a woman in a black lace gown, beautifully expressing the bittersweetness of a sweet love in a heavenly place that eventually becomes wounded like fallen leaves.

With poetic lyrics seamlessly fused with a refined melody, the piece is praised as a pioneering work that bridged folk and pop.

It’s a perfect song for those who like to picture the scenery of Karuizawa or nostalgically look back on a past romance.

Lake Nojiri AloneKaori Mizumori

Nojiri Lake Alone / Kaori Mizumori 2020

This is a gem of a regional enka song, richly performed by Kaori Mizumori, capturing the feelings of a woman trying to heal a broken heart on the quiet shores of a Shinshu lake.

Against the beautiful scenery of Lake Nojiri, it vividly portrays her poignant resolve to sever ties with the past.

Released in April 2005 as the B-side to the single “Gonō Line,” it was also included on her 10th anniversary album the same year.

Highly recommended for those facing the end of a romance or seeking a fresh start at a turning point in life.