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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 (21–30)

Kumamoto Surprise!Kumamon

Kumamoto Surprise! (Let's Dance Together! Version)
Kumamoto Surprise!Kumamon

The theme song of Kumamon, Kumamoto Prefecture’s hugely popular yuru-chara (mascot)! His round, cute appearance is beloved not only in Kumamoto but all across Japan.

Despite his slightly chubby figure, he shows off some pretty sharp dance moves.

Adorable, right? “Atozeki” is Kumamoto dialect meaning to close the door.

Hometown KumamotoSaida Mami

Mami Saidō – Hometown Kumamoto (lyrics subtitles)
Hometown KumamotoSaida Mami

This song, featuring Mami Saidā—known as the queen of Kumamoto commercial jingles—has an impressively clear and pure singing voice.

Just listening to it brings to mind Kumamoto’s idyllic, serene, and majestic landscapes.

The visuals in the music video also beautifully showcase a variety of Kumamoto’s scenery.

Classic songs that sing of Kumamoto: the enduring heart of our hometown (31–40)

Beautiful Boy of the South SeasHashi Yukio

Yukio Hashi “The Beautiful Boy of the South Seas”
Beautiful Boy of the South SeasHashi Yukio

Speaking of Amakusa in Kumamoto, the Christian rebel Amakusa Shirō, who led the Shimabara-Amakusa Rebellion, is famous.

It’s said he was a beautiful youth of sixteen who looked almost like a girl.

This is a song inspired by his tragic exploits.

A Nameless BondObi Yoshiyuki

Reconstruction support song “Nameless Bonds” Kumamoto Earthquake
A Nameless BondObi Yoshiyuki

It’s a song that was created at the time of the Tohoku earthquake, and I heard it was re-uploaded in hopes of recovery from the 2016 Kumamoto earthquake.

It’s a warm song filled with the message: even if you’re going through something unbearable right now, remember that everyone is here to support you, you’re not alone—so please smile.

Tokimeite KumamotoSoga Mamako

Kumamoto City Waku-Waku Song “Tokimeite Kumamoto” by Mimako Soga
Tokimeite KumamotoSoga Mamako

This is a community favorite song created to commemorate the 120th anniversary of Kumamoto City’s incorporation.

The gentle, bright, and grand melody is wonderful.

It’s a song whose lyrics convey the grandeur of Kumamoto’s nature and the spirit of everyone—young and old, men and women—coming together to energize our hometown.

street stallbatten arakawa

Batten Arakawa: Food Stall (with lines)
street stallbatten arakawa

It’s a song with lots of lines in the Kumamoto dialect.

It feels like a bunch of old guys who always gather at a food stall, chatting boisterously together.

Even when things are tough, let’s keep living and do our best! It’s a life-affirming, motivational song.

It has a warm atmosphere that really warms the heart.

Higo Bon SongIshikawa Sayuri

This is a passionate enka number sung by Sayuri Ishikawa, who was born in Kumamoto City, pouring her burning feelings for her hometown into every note.

Her overwhelming vocal prowess seizes listeners’ hearts and draws them instantly into the world of the song.

With lyrics by Hiroo Takada and music by Takashi Miki, it was released as a single in April 2008.

The coupling track features “Yanesen Kouta.” Whether you want to reflect on the spirit of Kumamoto’s landscape or experience a soul-stirring voice, this song is sure to sink deeply into your heart.