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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.
Song of EhimeNEW!Ehime-ken
This song was established in 1973 to commemorate the significant milestone of the 100th anniversary of Ehime Prefecture’s administration.
The lyrics were selected through a public contest, and the composition was handled by Yoshinao Nakada, known for works such as “Natsu no Omoide” (Summer Memories).
The lyrics weave in the region’s charms, including the Seto Inland Sea, mountains, and the Iyo dialect, and the bright, singable melody is particularly memorable.
Records show that, at the time of its adoption, a sonosheet featuring performances by Chieko Baisho and the Boni Jacks was produced, reflecting a lavish production that went beyond a typical government commemorative project.
In recent years, performances by local choirs and the police band have been made public, and for more than half a century it has been cherished as an important song that connects Ehime’s landscapes and spirit.
osmanthus (fragrant orange osmanthus; sweet olive)LUNKHEAD
LUNKHEAD’s song “Kinmokusei,” created by members from Niihama City in Ehime Prefecture, is filled with vocalist Yoshitaro Odaka’s feelings for his hometown, layered over his own high school days.
The lyrics weave in local scenery like Besshiyama and the Hiuchi-nada Sea, and along with the sweet, wistful fragrance of osmanthus, they awaken the youthful memories we all keep tucked away.
The image of tossing a school uniform—still a bit early for the seasonal change—into a bicycle basket feels like a scene from a film.
It’s a song that gently wraps the hearts of everyone who longs for their hometown.
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.