![[2026] Masterpieces Themed on Ibaraki: From Local Songs to Municipal Anthems](https://i.ytimg.com/vi_webp/PLSxp41UUdI/maxresdefault.webp)
[2026] Masterpieces Themed on Ibaraki: From Local Songs to Municipal Anthems
In Ibaraki Prefecture, magnificent waterscapes stretch from the Pacific Ocean to Lake Kasumigaura, complemented by farm produce nurtured by its nature-rich land and historic townscapes—there are countless captivating elements.
Many songs have been composed to celebrate the wonders of Ibaraki, cherished as a source of pride by its residents.
From municipal anthems to beloved local tunes, music themed around Ibaraki is remarkably diverse.
In this article, we introduce a variety of songs that express Ibaraki in many forms—from simple hometown affection to grand hymns to nature.
You might discover a side of “Ibaraki in music” you’ve never known.
[2026] Masterpieces themed around Ibaraki: From local songs to municipal anthems (1–10)
Moon-waiting Waterfall Love SongMizumori Kaori
This is a lyrical enka number performed by Kaori Mizumori, renowned as the “Queen of Local Songs,” set against the power spot Tsukimachi Falls in Daigo, Ibaraki Prefecture.
It portrays a single-minded, heartrending love that longs to meet someone no longer reachable—“even if only in a dream.” Mizumori’s clear, wistful voice blends beautifully with the waterfall’s serene, mystical atmosphere, leaving a deep impression on the listener’s heart.
Listening to this song may make you feel as though you’re standing amid the rich natural scenery of Ibaraki.
The Tree of HitachiHide Yuki
Located in the northeastern part of Ibaraki Prefecture, the city of Hitachi is where Hitachi, Ltd., one of Japan’s leading companies, was founded.
The familiar Hitachi Group commercial song is “The Tree of Hitachi.” It has been sung by various artists, and this video features the version by Hide Yuki.
Itako GasaHashi Yukio
It’s an enka ballad in the matabi (wandering gambler) style set in Itako City.
It was Yukio Hashi’s debut single, with lyrics by Takao Saeki and music by Tadashi Yoshida.
There’s also an anecdote that when Hashi first received the sheet music, he misread the title “Itako-gasa” as “Shiokuru-kasa.”
Song of Oarai TownBxAxG
This is the official image song of Oarai Town, created by the locally rooted mixture rock band BxAxG.
The vocalist, NAOI, lives in Oarai as a fisherman, and that authentic perspective is a major appeal of the track.
The line “born, raised, and felt in the town of Oarai” conveys a deep affection and pride that goes beyond simple scenic description.
The lyrics, which vividly evoke the warmth and kindness of the townspeople, are truly the everyday life of Oarai.
Carried by an energetic sound, the straightforward feelings it delivers warmly embrace listeners’ hearts—making it a quintessential local anthem overflowing with love for the town.
Hospitalityibaraki wakadanna
Ibaraki Wakadanna is a unit formed as part of a tourism promotion for Ibaraki.
Their debut song, “O-MO-TE-NA-SHI,” is, as the title suggests, a welcome song filled with the spirit of hospitality.
Set to a melody reminiscent of nostalgic Showa-era pop, it conveys a warm sentiment toward those visiting Ibaraki.
Because the members actually work in lodging facilities, their message of “We’ve been waiting for you” carries genuine warmth and real persuasive power.
Just by listening, you can almost picture the entrance of an inn welcoming travelers and the gentle smiles of the people of Ibaraki.
This song will surely make you want to set out on a journey to experience the charms of Ibaraki.
Koise RiverYashiro Aki
The Koise River flows through Ibaraki Prefecture and empties into Lake Kasumigaura.
This song is a single by Aki Yashiro released in 1984, and it peaked at number 52 on the Oricon chart.
The lyrics were written by Aki Yashiro herself under the pen name “Megumi Akino.”
The Crows of TsukubaMinami Haruo
This is a local song set in Ibaraki by Haruo Minami, known as a nationally beloved singer.
The emotionally rich “kayō-rōkyoku” style, unique to a rōkyoku balladeer, vividly portrays the scenery of Tsukuba and the human warmth that resides there.
The word “aho-garasu” (foolish crow) that appears in the lyrics likely symbolizes the protagonist’s helpless feelings and homesickness as he travels far from home.
Listening to Minami’s powerful yet gentle voice, you can almost see the sun setting over the banks of the Tone River and the scenes of Morokawa-juku.
It’s a deeply moving song filled with the spirit of Ibaraki and the bittersweet longing for one’s hometown.