[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.
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[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.
Itako BoatŌtsuki Miyako
This is a song released in 1964 by enka singer Miyako Ōtsuki, when she was still 18.
It tells of a female boatman who sadly continues to wait for her beloved, who never returns.
The lyrics were written by Tanaka Yuki, known for composing many municipal anthems, and the music was composed by Eiichi Kawakami.
Good evening with a smile, renkon!Tomioka Miho
Tsuchiura City, located in the southern part of Ibaraki Prefecture, is known as a production area for lotus root.
To promote lotus root, the JA Tsuchiura Lotus Root Headquarters created the song “Smile and Good Evening, Lotus Root,” performed by Miho Tomioka, a singer known for singing various campaign songs.
To a shining futureMiyashita Toshiko
Naka City, located in the northern part of Ibaraki Prefecture, was established in 2005 through the merger of Naka Town and Uren Town.
The city song “Toward a Shining Future” was created to commemorate the fifth anniversary of the merger.
This video is from when it was performed at the Naka Sunflower Festival 2013.
Itako BrideKawano Natsumi
There are many songs themed around Itako City in the southeastern part of Ibaraki Prefecture, and one of them is “Itako Hanayome-san,” sung by enka singer Kikue Hanamura.
She also appeared on the 11th NHK Kouhaku Uta Gassen with this song.
This video is a cover version by Natsumi Kawano.
Tokai OndoMiyako Harumi
Tokai Village, located in the northern part of Ibaraki Prefecture, was established in 1955 through the merger of Shakujin Village and Muramatsu Village.
Created in 1980 to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the merger, the “Tokai Ondo” is sung by Harumi Miyako.
It is sometimes played at festivals and other events held in the village.
Hometown TSUKUBAShimada Kaho
This is the city song of Tsukuba, a core city for administrative functions located in southern Ibaraki Prefecture, established in 1990.
The lyrics were written by Keisuke Yamakawa, who has provided words for many musicians, and the music was composed by Taimei Ishikawa.
Sung by Kaho Shimada, who is also active as an actress, it’s a refreshing song.