[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.
- From the tropical land of Tosa, a musician and band member from Kochi Prefecture.
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[2026] Masterpieces themed around Kochi: Local songs and municipal anthems (21–30)
Ryoma Sakamoto: Dreaming of Japan’s DawnAkioka Hideharu
Since his debut in 1991, Shuji Akioka has centered his career on barroom enka and songs about life.
Beginning in 2024, he embarked on a new series themed around heroes of the late Edo period.
This work, released in November 2025 as the second installment following the previous song about Takamori Saigo, is a historical romance enka portraying the life of Sakamoto Ryoma.
From the arrival of the Black Ships to the Satsuma–Choshu Alliance and the “Eight Policies on Board,” it powerfully sings of Ryoma’s dream of a “dawn of Japan.” A robust melody and Akioka’s characteristically rich, mature vocals are a perfect match, making this a remarkably satisfying track to hear.
Clock StrikesONE OK ROCK
Ryū ga Gotoku Ishin! is a video game starring Sakamoto Ryōma that was released in 2014.
Its theme song is Clock Strikes, performed by ONE OK ROCK, which is included on their 2013 album Jinsei×Boku=.
Ryoma’s lingering silhouetteShimazu Aya
Among the notable figures from Kochi Prefecture, Sakamoto Ryoma is perhaps the most famous.
This song tells the story of his life.
The original was sung by Hibari Misora, but this video is a cover version by Aya Shimazu.
It was performed at the Prefectural Culture Hall.
warm currentIshikawa Sayuri
This is a local song released by Sayuri Ishikawa in 1977, which peaked at No.
11 on the Oricon weekly chart.
The lyrics depict the feelings of a woman who has broken free from her past.
The song was written by Yu Aku, known for numerous hit songs, and composed by Takashi Miki.
South windMitsubishi Michiya
Shiroshitamachi no Onna is a studio album released by Michiya Mihashi in 1976, featuring local songs from various regions of Japan.
The song about Kochi is Minami no Kaze on the B-side, with lyrics by Yū Aku and music by Makoto Kawaguchi, a composer of many kayōkyoku (Japanese popular songs).
Shiman-to River InnNakamura Mitsuko
This is a local song from Kochi, sung by Mitsuko Nakamura, an enka singer who is very popular in Osaka.
The lyrics are by Nagata Yoshio, and the music is by Azuhito Tomita, who has composed many other songs for Mitsuko Nakamura.
It portrays the feelings of a woman in a hotel room thinking about the lover she parted with.
Susaki is my favorite.Ogonogi Mari
This is a PR song for Susaki City, located in central Kochi Prefecture, with lyrics written by students of Susaki Junior High School.
The composer is Tetsuro Oda, who is also active as a singer-songwriter.
If you’re a resident, you’ve probably heard it at least once.
In this video, you can also see the students’ dance.