![[2026] Classic songs themed on Kochi: A roundup of local songs and municipal anthems](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/rzVWEIIMD0M/hqdefault.jpg)
[2026] Classic songs themed on Kochi: A roundup of local songs and municipal anthems
Kochi Prefecture, a southern land facing the Pacific Ocean.
Blessed with a warm climate and lush, abundant nature, it is the land of Tosa, home to many captivating landscapes such as the clear-flowing Shimanto River and Katsurahama Beach.
From songs that celebrate the sound of the Tosa dialect and its distinctive atmosphere to official anthems of cities and towns, a remarkable variety of music has been born here.
Songs inspired by the relaxed temperament of its people, their passionate spirit, and the grandeur of nature convey Kochi’s culture and history to the present day.
Now, let us guide you into the world of songs connected to Kochi Prefecture.
Through lyrics brimming with local pride and pleasant melodies, you’re sure to fully feel the charm of Tosa.
[2026] Masterpieces Themed on Kochi: Local Songs and Municipal Anthems (1–10)
SerarenOono Kenji
“Seraren” is a dialect word from Kochi Prefecture meaning “must not do” or “not allowed.” This song, sung by Kenji Ono, was originally created as a campaign song to eliminate drunk driving.
The Tosa-dialect lines that come in partway through also add a nice touch.
Everyone, please be careful not to drink and drive.
The Great Cedar of SugiMiyama Hiroshi
This song was performed by Hiroshi Miyama, the “Vitamin Voice” born in Kochi, as a heartfelt tribute to his hometown.
Composed by his mentor, Masamasa Nakamura, it’s a grand life-themed enka inspired by the three-thousand-year-old ‘Great Cedar of Sugi’ towering over his local town of Ōtoyo.
The anecdote that Miyama himself piloted a drone to film the music video also speaks volumes about his extraordinary love for his hometown.
He overlays his own life onto the great cedar that has “withstood blizzards, storms, and drought,” and vows to show a “proud, shining figure” to someone dear to him.
That straightforward resolve blends perfectly with Miyama’s warm vocals, gently infusing listeners with the strength to face tomorrow.
Shimanto Youth StoryReemondo Matsuya
This is a song by singer-songwriter Raymond Matsuya, known as the “Bard of Love.” Set against the majestic Shimanto River, the pride of Kochi, it portrays a mature coming-of-age love story that looks back on a romance from days gone by.
Blending the emotion of enka with the approachable warmth of folk, this kayō-folk piece features gentle acoustic tones that resonate deeply.
The scene of layering faint memories of first love over the shimmering flow of the river is both sweet and achingly bittersweet.
Now that we’re adults, the youthful days that shine alongside the scenery of our hometown feel all the more precious.
Many listeners may find that, when they hear this song, their own “youth story,” carefully tucked away in their hearts, suddenly springs back to life.
Hiroshi’s proud hometown, ze yo!Miyama Hiroshi
This is a song by Hiroshi Miyama, a native of Nankoku City in Kochi Prefecture, packed to the brim with love for his hometown.
As a tourism ambassador, his signature spirit of service shines through, making it a deeply satisfying local anthem.
The lyrics roll out one after another—from famous landmarks like Harimaya Bridge and Hirome Market to regional specialties like first-skipjack bonito and gamecock hot pot—turning the piece into a musical journey through Kochi’s charms.
Sung proudly in his warm “vitamin voice,” declaring “shoeiyo (amazing!),” you can feel his deep affection for where he’s from.
The comfortable enka melody combined with the rustic cadence of the Tosa dialect conjures vivid images of Tosa’s grand nature and the heartfelt warmth of its people.
Shimanto RiverMiyama Hiroshi
This is a song by Hiromi Miyama, an enka singer from Nankoku City in Kochi Prefecture known for his “vitamin voice,” released in 2016.
It sings about the clear Shimanto River that flows through Kochi Prefecture.
On the Oricon charts, it peaked at number 11.
Leaving sunny Tosa behindPegī Hayama
It is said that the original melody came from a song sung by the Army’s Asakura 236th Infantry Regiment, and Eisasaku Takemasa altered parts that evoked war.
Many singers have performed it, but the version by Peggy Hayama was especially a hit.
There is a monument inscribed with the song in Harimayabashi Park.
Song of the People of Kochi PrefectureSakushi: Nishimura Sadao / Sakkyoku: Hamada Masakata
A classic Showa-era song that sweeps listeners into a whirl of emotion with its grand worldview, celebrating Kochi’s majestic nature and the spirit of its people.
Established in 1952, it is the prefecture’s official song, with lyrics by Sadao Nishimura and music by Masakata Hamada.
Chosen through a public contest among residents, it is truly a crystallization of local pride.
The phrase “the southern land of freedom” captures the soul of Tosa people, known for their enterprising spirit, while “the vigor of sturdy grandeur” evokes a strength that rivals the Kuroshio Current.
Laden with literary expressions, its lyrics feel like reading a passage from a novel—an especially memorable piece.
Why not join voices, savor the poetry, and sing it together?