A classic song about Kumamoto. The enduring spirit of our hometown passed down through song.
Kumamoto, blessed with rich nature—the majestic mountains of Aso and the beautiful seas of Amakusa.
In this article, we introduce a selection of famous songs that convey its charm through music.
From the nostalgic “Antagata Dokosa,” to the adorable “Kumamoto Surprise!” by the local mascot Kumamon, and even “Aso no Koika,” imbued with hopes for recovery.
Why not lend an ear to these songs filled with the warmth of the Kumamoto dialect and a deep love for the homeland?
A classic song about Kumamoto. The enduring spirit of our hometown (1–10)
Kumamon monMoritaka Chisato
This is a song featuring the vocals of Chisato Moritaka, who hails from Kumamoto, and it has a buoyant charm that lifts the listener’s spirits.
The lyrics, filled with affection for a familiar character, leave a strong impression and convey a warm message that they’re always by our side.
Even amid its humorous word choices, it carries a wish to sow the seeds of hope and happiness for the future together, enveloping you in a gentle kindness that feels like a soft push forward.
Released as a single in September 2013, it was widely loved, reaching as high as No.
13 on the Oricon charts.
Don’t miss the irresistibly catchy lyrics and melody that you’ll find yourself humming along to!
To the Land of FireIshikawa Sayuri
A masterpiece by Sayuri Ishikawa that captivates listeners with her overwhelming vocal power.
It depicts the feelings of a woman traveling alone from Tokyo to Kumamoto—the land of fire—on a night train.
With a resolve to cast all the memories of their long years together into Mount Aso, an active volcano, and burn them to ashes, the song powerfully conveys a lingering attachment she can’t quite break away from.
Kumamoto City SongKumamoto-shi
This is the municipal song of Kumamoto City, established in March 1930 (Showa 5), and it remains deeply loved by local residents.
Surrounded by great natural beauty, Kumamoto City is a town where commerce and industry thrive, enriched with culture and history.
Celebrating Kumamoto’s abundant nature, its ancient castle, the developing commercial districts, and views of Kumamoto Castle, this song is a signature piece that symbolizes Kumamoto City.
Otemoyan
Otemoyan is a folk song that has been passed down in Kumamoto since long ago.
Considered a representative Kumamoto folk tune, it’s a piece you often hear at festivals in the region.
The term “otemoyan,” referring to a woman with prominent rouge on her cheeks, comes from this song.
Many different artists have performed it, so it could be fun to compare the various versions.
Sweet Home KumamotoYashiro Aki
When it comes to singers from Kumamoto, it has to be Aki Yashiro from Yatsushiro! This is a track from an album released in 2015.
She’s likely singing while reminiscing about her nostalgic hometown of Yatsushiro.
It’s a very enjoyable song—light, soft, and stylish blues.
KUMAKOI RokuchōshiKawamura Yumi
This piece adds a modern essence to a folk song from the Kuma region of Kumamoto Prefecture, featuring Yumi Kawamura as both vocalist and producer.
The lyrics, sprinkled with festival chants and local dialect, convey the bustle of the hometown and the warm bonds among its people.
The track was produced around 2015 as a mini CD, with Kawamura noting that “since no local singer could be found, I ended up singing it myself.” In February 2017, a remixed version was included on the album “Yumisaurus.” It’s a heartwarming song that vividly brings hometown scenes to mind.
Woman of the Land of FireSakamoto Fuyumi
This is a song by Fuyumi Sakamoto, known for skillfully singing about women’s burning passions, as in the classic “Yozakura Osome.” It expresses the powerful feelings of a woman consumed by a fleeting love: “If you hold a woman, do it with the resolve to embrace fire!” Are women from Higo Province, Kumamoto, all passionate like this?