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[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: Introducing everything from local songs to city and town anthems (11–20)

MITO!Isoyama Jun

MITO (Original Song) / Jun Isoyama / Ryo Ogura / [music milestone] #09
MITO!Isoyama Jun

It’s a funky cheer song overflowing with hometown love by Jun Isoyama, a singer-songwriter from Mito who also serves as the city’s “Mito Charm PR Director.” Set to a brisk, upbeat sound, it name-drops Mito’s specialties and landmarks one after another—natto, Kairakuen Garden, Lake Senba, and more.

Just listening makes you feel like you’re taking a cheerful stroll through the streets of Mito.

The playful phrases that evoke Mito Komon are sure to bring a smile to your face.

It’s a tune that will lift the spirits not only of Mito’s citizens but of anyone who loves Ibaraki.

A town with a skySakushi Sakkyoku: Mashiko Tatsurou

This is the official song of Hitachiota City, written by Tatsurou Mashiko—renowned for composing “Hanamizuki”—as a special piece for his hometown.

Its profoundly poetic and beautiful lyrics are a major draw, and simply listening conjures up gentle satoyama scenery: an endlessly spreading blue sky, clear streams where kingfishers dart about.

The universally nostalgic melody is exactly what you’d expect from a hitmaker.

For those living away from home, it will likely rekindle warm memories and spark a sudden longing to return.

A masterpiece that tenderly sings of the bond between people and nature, it quietly stays close to the heart.

Ishioka, my hometownSakushi: Oshima Hanako, Ishioka Shimin no Minasan / Sakkyoku: Oshima Hanako

This is a song created collaboratively by singer-songwriter Hanako Oshima and the citizens of Ishioka to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the city’s merger.

The lyrics are woven with more than 800 “words and feelings” contributed by residents, packing in the charms of Ishioka—from the scenery of Mount Tsukuba and the Koise River to the lively spirit of the “lion-dancing town.” Oshima’s warm vocals pair perfectly with the friendly call-and-response “Osshainā.” Just listening to it conveys the heartfelt love people have for their hometown.

It will surely resonate not only with the citizens of Ishioka, but also deeply with those living away from home.

Hitachi City Citizens’ SongSakushi: Terakado Yukihisa / Sakkyoku: Yamada Eiichi

Hitachi City Song with Subtitles & Furigana (Hitachi City, Ibaraki Prefecture) 4K
Hitachi City Citizens' SongSakushi: Terakado Yukihisa / Sakkyoku: Yamada Eiichi

This piece was composed by Eiichi Yamada, a composer who left behind many classic Showa-era kayōkyoku songs.

The lyrics by lyricist Koju Terakado are filled with the grandeur of Hitachi’s natural beauty, from the “winds of peace” blowing in from the Pacific Ocean to the Kamimine and Takasuzu mountains watching over the citizens.

Just by listening, you can picture the hopeful expressions of people stepping forward from postwar reconstruction toward the future.

It’s a local favorite that breathes with the city’s history and the warm wishes of its people—one you should definitely know.

Spacetime Warrior Ibaraiger R: Noble LifeMiyauchi Takayuki

“Spacetime Warrior Ibaraiger R” is a local hero representing Ibaraki Prefecture, with stage shows performed at various events.

The theme song is sung by Takayuki Miyauchi, well-known for hero songs such as “Kamen Rider BLACK RX.”

Song of Namegata City ~My Hometown~Namegatashi-ritsu Tamatsukuri Chūgakkō zen seito

Chorus performance of 'Song of Namegata City' by all students of Tamatsukuri Junior High School
Song of Namegata City ~My Hometown~Namegatashi-ritsu Tamatsukuri Chūgakkō zen seito

It is the city song of Namegata City, located in the southeastern part of Ibaraki Prefecture, established in 2012.

The composer is Hiroyuki Yoshioka, a musician who has created numerous choral and musical pieces.

In this video, students from Tamatsukuri Junior High School in Namegata City are singing it.

An MP3 can be downloaded from the city’s website.

[2026] Masterpieces themed on Ibaraki: Introducing songs from local anthems to municipal songs (21–30)

Ibaraki Prefecture Residents’ Songsagawa hajime

This is the prefectural anthem of Ibaraki, established in 1963.

If you’re a resident of the prefecture, you’ve probably heard it at least once.

The lyrics and melody were selected through a public contest.

The song highlights various charms of Ibaraki, but there seem to be opinions that the third verse is not in step with the times.