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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)

gentianWANIMA

WANIMA "Rindou" OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO
gentianWANIMA

Named after the prefectural flower of their hometown Kumamoto, this song is a warm, gentle anthem from WANIMA for people who keep living true to themselves and with strength, like that solitary flower that blooms alone without a cluster—even amid loneliness and hardship.

The message, akin to a soul’s cry of “Stay weak and grow strong,” resonates deep in the hearts of listeners.

This moving track is included on the acclaimed 2019 album COMINATCHA!!, which topped the Oricon charts.

When your heart feels a little tired, or when you want to encourage someone dear, it will quietly fill you with warmth.

Batten LingoGaki Renjā

It’s a song by Gaki Ranger, a hip-hop group from Kumamoto Prefecture.

It’s an upbeat rap track, but all the lyrics are written in the Kumamoto dialect.

Many of their other songs are also in the Kumamoto dialect, and despite being in a regional dialect, they give off a very cool and uniquely captivating vibe.

Fire Country Little SongFuji Keiko

This is a song by Keiko Fuji, who is also known as the mother of Hikaru Utada.

The lyrics weave in famous tourist spots in Kyushu, and you’re guaranteed to feel like taking a trip around the island after listening! As for Kumamoto, it highlights Aso’s fiery mountains and the gallant spirit of Kumamoto men.

Classic songs about Kumamoto: the heart of our hometown passed down in song (11–20)

Battens and BaterenKatte ni Kankō Kyōkai

Kumamoto Prefecture Local Song “Batten Bateren” / Unauthorized Tourism Association
Battens and BaterenKatte ni Kankō Kyōkai

When the spirit and warmth of Kumamoto are rendered by Jun Miura and Hajime Anzai, they turn into such a delightful and heartwarming local song.

This track sings about Kumamoto’s specialties and history—like horse sashimi, Mount Aso, and Amakusa Shirō—with affection, humor, and nostalgia.

The gentle tone of Miura’s guitalele and the cozy sense of place created by the “Ryoka-roku” inn recordings feel truly comforting.

It was included on the album “Vol.

1” in January 2003, and later featured on the February 2008 album “Katte ni Kankō Kyōkai Katte ni Gotōchi Song 47+1.” How about giving it a listen when you want to rediscover Kumamoto’s charm or are in the mood for music that warms the heart?

together; along with; bothWANIMA

WANIMA – Together (OFFICIAL VIDEO)
together; along with; bothWANIMA

A signature song by WANIMA, the band from Kumamoto, that delivers a passionate message: “Precisely when times are tough, let’s lift our heads and move forward together!” Just listening to it stirs the heart—its powerful sound and warm words strike a chord, filling you with the bonds of friendship and hope for tomorrow.

Featured on the single JUICE UP!! released in August 2016, it captured many hearts as the CM song for Nivea Kao’s 8×4.

The track also carries prayers for the earthquake that struck their hometown of Kumamoto during production, singing earnestly of the preciousness of life and love for one’s roots.

It’s a heartwarming anthem that stands by you at life’s turning points or when you’re feeling low, offering strong, encouraging support.

Happy KumamonKumamon

It’s a number featuring Kumamon’s lively singing voice that instantly lifts your spirits, like the sun rising in your heart.

The bouncy melody that makes you want to sing and dance along, and the bright lyrics inviting everyone to go find happiness together, are sure to bring smiles to listeners’ faces.

The song was first unveiled in March 2014 when it was included on the album “Let’s Play with Kumamon! ~Drawing Songs and Play Songs~.” A multilingual version was added to the 10th anniversary album released in March 2020, “Kumamon 10th ANNIVERSARY CD & PHOTO BOOK ~Happy & Surprise~,” spreading its charm to even more people.

If you’re a Kumamon fan, you already know this one, right?

Hang in there, Kumamoto!Hayashida Kenji

An anthem born from the heartfelt wish for recovery after the Kumamoto earthquakes, bringing together the hopes of many.

Kenji Hayashida carefully transformed the real voices and earnest wishes of those affected into lyrics, creating this work together with the people of Kumamoto.

As symbolized by the Kumamoto dialect word meaning “hang in there,” it carries a warm yet powerful message of encouragement that speaks directly to the listener’s heart.

Included on the mini-album “Minna no Oto-gasane” released in January 2017, the song is deeply connected to support for the disaster-stricken areas, including Kumamoto Castle.

Enriched by the pure voices of the NHK Kumamoto Children’s Choir, it powerfully conveys undying love for one’s hometown and the bonds of people facing hardship.

It’s a song that gently stays by your side when your heart is about to break or when you long for human warmth, giving you a push toward tomorrow.