Lovely nursery rhymes, folk songs, and children's songs

A classic song that celebrates Niigata. The enduring spirit of our hometown passed down through song.

Deputy Editor of RAG MUSICSasashina
Deputy Editor of the web media RAG MUSIC. I’m Sasashina, a mom currently raising an elementary schooler and a preschooler. In my student days, I studied broadly at Kyoto College of Science and Technology, covering sound, lighting, and video technology, and acquired skills from comprehensive stage production to the fundamentals of creative expression. After graduation, I joined a music production company, where I still work, and have consistently built my career on the production side, taking on diverse tasks centered around music. Currently, I mainly handle articles for children, drawing on what I’ve learned about parenting in my own way, as well as insights and discoveries from interacting with my kids every day. I hope I can be of help to you, even just a little!

When you think of Niigata, you think of Koshihikari rice! But this time, I’d like to introduce some songs themed around Niigata.

We’ve gathered a variety: enka that sings of the particular loneliness of snowy regions, songs inspired by folk music, and funky tunes that convey Niigata’s greatness.

For those who live in Niigata or lived there as children, some of these tracks may bring back memories.

Each song showcases what makes Niigata wonderful, so be sure to listen while checking out the lyrics.

A selection of Niigata songs, just for you!

A classic song that sings of Niigata: The enduring heart of our hometown (21–30)

Whisper of the Heart ~Niigata University Image Song~Miwa Sasagawa

Whisper of the Heart ~Niigata University Image Song~

Whisper of the Heart ~Niigata University Image Song~ Miwa Sasagawa

Miwa Sasagawa is a singer-songwriter living in Niigata Prefecture.

She loves her hometown of Niigata and composed this song with the desire to liven up Niigata University together, weaving in the university’s image of being close to the sea and rich in greenery.

Raise the rankinglower

Tetoto ~ The Theme of Tetto-kun ~Hiroki Iwafune

Hiroki Iwafune - Tetoteto ~Tetto-kun’s Theme~

Tetoteto ~ Tetto-kun’s Theme ~ Hiroki Iwafune

Tetto-kun is the mascot character of TeNY, TV Niigata.

According to Hiroki Iwafune, the lyrical depictions of scenery were created with a particular image of Niigata’s beautiful landscapes—its mountains, the sea, and sunsets.

Raise the rankinglower

A classic song that sings of Niigata: The enduring spirit of our hometown (31–40)

Yuzawa Travel SentimentsYuzo Kayama

Yuzo Kayama – Yuzawa Melancholy

Yuzawa Travel Sentiments Kayama Yūzō

This song, included as the B-side of the single “Chotto Dake Stranager” released on July 1, 1988, is themed around Yuzawa, a town in Minamiuonuma District, Niigata Prefecture.

It is also known for being used as the hometown chime at Echigo-Yuzawa Station on the Joetsu Shinkansen.

Raise the rankinglower

SadonasaShinobu Otowa

Crying Sake – Vocals by Shinobu Otowa; Lyrics by Kayoko Kimoto

Sado Compassion: Otowa Shinobu

Released on February 23, 2005.

The lyrics use words associated with Sado, such as local sake, the Okesa folk song, and tub boats.

It seems that Uno Kanda served as Shinobu Otowa’s fashion producer, and she performs in strikingly designed outfits.

Raise the rankinglower

In conclusion

How did you like the songs themed around Niigata? Along with the well-known local hits, there were probably some tracks that made you think, “Wait, this is a Niigata song?” Listening to songs about Niigata may have helped some of you rediscover its charms.

When you visit Niigata, be sure to stop by the places that appeared in the songs.