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[2026] Masterpieces themed on Ehime: from local songs to municipal anthems
Ehime Prefecture brims with hometown pride.
Blessed with the beautiful Seto Inland Sea, Mount Takanawa—the highest in Japan—and a mild climate, this land is home to countless wonderful songs.
From municipal anthems every local can hum to regional tunes that extol Ehime’s charms, the variety is truly abundant! In this article, we’ll take our time introducing a selection of gem-like pieces that express Ehime’s nature, culture, and everyday life through music.
Whether you’re from Ehime or visiting as a tourist, you’re sure to rediscover the prefecture’s allure through these songs.
[2026] Masterpieces themed around Ehime: Introducing everything from local songs to municipal anthems (1–10)
Blues of the DawnItsuki Hiroshi
Mr.
Matsuya Raymond from Ehime Prefecture wrote the lyrics and composed the music, and he also sings the song himself.
Nibancho in Matsuyama City is an entertainment district, and the story centers on an adult romance.
The prelude is quite stylish, and it has a similar vibe to “Izakaya,” the duet sung by Hiroshi Itsuki.
It’s not enka; this song is mood kayō (romantic pop).
The Tangerine SongSEX MACHINEGUNS
As a local song from Ehime, this might be one of the most famous! The shocking track “Mikan no Uta,” released in 1999 by SEX MACHINEGUNS, one of Japan’s leading heavy metal bands, is, contrary to its cozy-sounding title, a characteristically aggressive metal song.
It’s a classic that powerfully sings of frontman Anchang’s deep love for mikan, a specialty of his home prefecture of Ehime.
It’s a huge hit at karaoke, so be sure to give it a try!
Woman of IyoKitajima Saburō
Saburo Kitajima also has many local-themed songs, and while the standard tends to be tragic love or journeys in search of something, this one is what you’d call a happy ending.
It’s a song where you can catch glimpses of manliness alongside sights from Ehime throughout.
The lyrics mention the Ishite River, which might be unfamiliar unless you’re local.
It’s a Class A river that runs through Matsuyama City in Ehime Prefecture, with the Ishite River Dam upstream—details that really enhance the local-song feel.
Chief wardenMiyako Harumi
This is a song sung during the Niihama Taiko Festival, and it’s said that participants get even more fired up by Harumi Miyako’s powerful vocals.
First, what does the unfamiliar word “chō-osaja” mean? “Chōsa” refers to a taiko float fitted with carrying poles, and “ja” can be taken as something like “ya” or “you know.” So think of it as a chant meaning, “The taiko float is coming through!” or “It’s the taiko float!” Rendered in standard Japanese, it somehow sounds a bit flat or lacking in punch.
STU48 Ehime ver.STU48
A local song overflowing with love for Ehime by STU48, a group based across the seven Setouchi prefectures.
This track, included on their debut single, makes its appeal unmistakably clear once you listen to the lyrics.
From tourist spots like Matsuyama Castle, the Shimanami Kaido, and the Botchan Train to specialties such as jakoten fish cakes and Imabari towels, Ehime’s “treasures” appear one after another.
It feels as if all the answers to “What is Ehime known for?” are packed into this one song.
Their refreshing vocals and the up-tempo melody are sure to vividly bring back memories of places you’ve visited.
A buoyant track that conveys their love for their hometown straight from the heart.
When you’re tired, Ehime.wagyū
This is a duet loved by many as Ehime Prefecture’s PR song, performed by the comedy duo Wagyu—Shinji Mizuta and Kenshiro Kawanishi—who are from Iyo City.
The unforgettable phrase “When you’re tired, come to Ehime” gently invites you to find comfort whenever you need it.
Their pleasant harmony, reminiscent of their exquisite manzai banter, blends beautifully with the images of Ehime’s scenery in the lyrics, such as Dogo Onsen and Matsuyama Castle.
Just by listening, you can picture the calm Seto Inland Sea and the warm smiles of its people.
It’s a heartwarming song that tenderly embraces a weary, city-worn heart like a hometown.
Matsuyama AirportHikawa Kiyoshi
Kiyoshi Hikawa, who shines beyond the boundaries of traditional enka, delivers a lyrical enka piece with Matsuyama Airport, set at the gateway to Ehime.
Carried by a wistful melody, the song portrays the protagonist’s aching feelings as they head to Matsuyama on the last flight from Haneda.
The emotionally rich lyrics seem to weave together lingering attachment to a love that ended in the city and a deep nostalgia for home.
Hikawa’s delicate, expressive vocals vividly depict both the Seto Inland Sea’s nightscape and the protagonist’s wavering heart.
It’s a song that gently embraces not only those from Ehime, but anyone living away from their hometown.