[2026] Classic songs themed on Kochi: A roundup of local songs and municipal anthems

Typhoon of LoveKatte ni Kankō Kyōkai

Kochi Prefecture Local Song “Love Typhoon” / Unofficial Tourism Association

A local song for Kochi released in 2004 by Miura Jun and Anzai Hajime’s duo, the Katte ni Kanko Kyokai (Self-Appointed Tourism Association).

It’s a playful number produced in their “Ryokaroku” style—improvised recordings done at inns.

From pounding out ‘katsuo no tataki’ to getting swept up in a ‘typhoon of love’ the moment they spot whales at Cape Muroto, the lyrics comically portray the start of an irresistible romance against the backdrop of Kochi’s famous sights, and just listening fills you with excitement! “Whatever happens, happens!” You can feel the protagonist’s mood in this passionate and humorous track.

It’s the kind of song that makes you want to set off on a trip, as if you can feel the Tosa breeze on your skin.

Long live old age!Jii-POP from Kōchike ALL STARS

[Official] Grandpa-POP from Kochike ALL STARS “Hail to Old Age!”

With its innovative lineup and comical vocals, many of you were probably shocked the moment you first heard it.

Released in 2016, it’s the major debut single by Jii-POP from Kochike ALL STARS.

Turning the prefecture’s high elderly population on its head, the lyrics boldly proclaim “Long live the elderly,” which is delightfully refreshing.

Along with the lilt of the Tosa dialect, the song sprinkles in humorous nods to Kochi’s blessings like buntan and bonito, as well as everyday life—such as waking up at 5:30 in the morning.

Dressed in white as they dance, they look like the blue skies and white clouds of Tosa.

Just by listening, you can feel the warmth of Kochi’s people and its culture; it might be the ultimate anthem of support.

To this land ~GReeeeN

GReeeeN “To This Land ~”

GReeeeN’s “Kono Chi e ~,” written specifically for the Yosakoi Festival in Kochi, is truly a song “born to make you dance.” With a special connection to Kochi—member HIDE spent his student years there—the track is filled with deep affection for the region.

Its sound layers a nostalgic, folk-like melodic turn with grand, gospel-style choruses, beautifully capturing both the festival’s fervor and a swelling sense of homesickness.

The lyrics about “joining hands” in “this land” convey the warm-hearted bonds that people in Tosa hold dear above all else.

Listening to this song conjures vivid images of Yosakoi under the summer sky, where everyone is smiling.

It’s a masterpiece brimming with hometown pride and pure joy.

Yosakoi enkaKaneda Tatsue

Yosakoi enka

This is a local song in which Tatsue Kaneda—who took the world by storm with “Kagai no Haha”—sings the spirit of Tosa with passionate intensity.

Released in 2022, “Yosakoi Enka” is truly a song for Kochi, blending the driving energy of a festival with the distinctive pathos of enka.

Listen closely to the lyrics and you can almost picture a single-minded man, gazing out over the Pacific Ocean with pride in his hometown swelling in his chest.

Kaneda’s rich, folk-honed vocals align with the protagonist’s spirit and stir the listener’s soul.

Doesn’t it feel like a masterpiece you’ll want to hear again and again, distilling the heat of the Yosakoi Festival and the grandeur of Kochi’s natural beauty?

Life from here on from SukumoSakushi: Urata Fumio / Sakkyoku: Takahashi Nobuhiro

Life from here on from Sukumo

This song was born from the passion of lyricist Fumio Urata and other locals who love their hometown and want to share the charms of Sukumo.

It’s said to have begun with the lament that “there’s nothing that stands out in Sukumo,” yet the lyrics are filled with deep affection for its rich natural beauty.

When you find yourself at a crossroads in life, you may suddenly feel homesick.

In such moments, the phrase “From here on, life dwells in Sukumo” resonates warmly.

The unique perspective of describing Sukumo’s blessings as “natural vitamins” is also appealing.

Its unhurried, pastoral melody feels like nourishment for the soul—an encouraging song full of kindness that gently gives listeners a supportive push.

Shimanto no Yado (Inn of Shimanto)Oka Yuuko

Shimanto no Yado (Inn of Shimanto)

This is a renowned song performed by Yuko Oka, known as the “Singing Map of Japan” for her renditions of local songs from across the country, set against the clear currents of Kochi.

Included on a single released in 2016, the piece portrays a quiet love story unfolding at a hidden inn along the banks of the Shimanto River.

The scene evoked by the line “Resting my cheek on your shoulder / a roofed boat on the Shimanto River” is like a painting.

With the lively Yosakoi Festival as a backdrop, time flows gently for just the two of them.

Oka’s richly expressive, sultry voice perfectly matches the poignancy of their secret love and the serene ambiance of Kochi.

It’s a deeply evocative song, as if the heroine’s fleeting wishes melt into the glittering waters of the pure stream.

Sukumo OndoJōnouchi Sanae

Sukumo Ondo / Sanae Jōnouchi

It is the citizens’ folk song of Sukumo City in the southwestern part of Kochi Prefecture, selected by the Sukumo Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

The music was composed by Junzo Nomura and the lyrics were written by Yasuo Ikeuchi.

The singer is Sanae Jōnouchi, an enka singer who was formerly a member of Onyanko Club.

It seems to be played at festivals and other events held in the city.