A classic song about Miyazaki. A song filled with feelings for one’s hometown [2026]

Miyazaki Prefectural SongMiyazaki-ken

Miyazaki Prefecture First Prefectural Anthem

This work, established in 1964 as the prefectural anthem, is the second generation.

The lyrics were written by Mr.

Yuharu Sakai, selected from 362 submissions, and the composition was by Mr.

Nobuo Iida.

With words like the southern blue sky, the Kuroshio Current, and the prefectural flower, the spider lily (hamayū), it conveys Miyazaki’s rich natural beauty, the development of its industries, and hope for the future.

In 2014, the 50th anniversary of its adoption, it was chosen—through cooperation with JR Kyushu—as the departure melody at Miyazaki Station.

Isn’t it wonderful that even after more than half a century, it continues to accompany the lives of people using the station? It blends a sense of historical weight with an open, cheerful spirit, making it truly rich in character.

Imogara-bokutomin’yō

Imogara-bokuto

The folk song Imogara Bokuto, born from a public contest to commemorate the 30th anniversary of Miyazaki’s city status, takes its title from a wooden sword made from taro stalks.

It’s a humorous expression that refers to someone who looks tough but is actually harmless—and somehow endearing.

In the lyrics, this kind of protagonist is vividly portrayed: working hard in the fields, enjoying shochu, and eventually starting a family, all filled with warmth and human connection.

Listening to the Miyazaki dialect sung over lively shamisen accompaniment, you can almost picture the bright, balmy life of the subtropics.

You may find it easy to understand why the song has been beloved by locals for so long.

Shanshan Horse Travel Songmin’yō

Shanshan Horse Traveling Song (Shanshan Uma Dōchū Uta) — “Miyazaki Prefectural Folk Song”

This is a very beautiful folk song that describes a wedding custom from the Nichinan area of Miyazaki Prefecture.

It depicts a scene in which the bride rides a horse while the groom leads it by the reins on their way to Udo Shrine.

The chant “konkii konkii” is said to mean “perseverance,” encouraging them along the arduous journey over seven mountain passes.

In the figures sung over the cool, refreshing melody, you can sense the warm gaze of people in those days as they celebrated the couple’s happy new beginning.

Even if you didn’t know the folk song itself, you may feel you’ve heard this gentle melody somewhere before.

It’s a piece that richly conveys Miyazaki’s wedding culture.

Miyazaki Tegetegete OndoMizuki Daisuke

Miyazaki Tegetege Ondo after a long time 🎵

Sung by Daisuke Mizuki, whose deep love for his hometown of Miyazaki shines through, this is an irresistibly cheerful ondō (festive dance) song.

It’s also known for having lyrics written by Hideo Higashikokubaru, who was the governor of Miyazaki Prefecture at the time.

“Tege tege” is a Miyazaki dialect term meaning “moderately” or “take it easy.” The lyrics are filled with quintessential Miyazaki imagery—shochu, lush nature, and more—evoking the region’s easygoing character.

Listening to the lively rhythms of shamisen and taiko, you may feel as if you’re taking part in a local festival.

It’s easy to see why it became an anthem beloved by the people of the prefecture.

Nostalgia… TakachihoMizumori Kaori

Nostalgia... Takachiho (Miyazaki Prefecture)

A lyrical song set in the mythic land of Miyazaki, sung by Kaori Mizumori, the “Queen of Local Songs.” It portrays a journey through Takachiho Gorge by someone who cannot forget a past lover, carrying their sorrow along the way.

The pure spray of Manai Falls and the timeless flow of the Gokase River—encountering such majestic nature only deepens the protagonist’s lingering attachment to their beloved, a heartrending emotion that comes through with striking clarity.

Mizumori’s emotive vocals seem to echo through the ravine itself.

Listening while sensing the wind that has blown since the age of myths, you may find yourself drawn deeply into the world of the song, feeling as if you’re traveling together with the protagonist.

Highland RomanceNagai Ryūun

Ryūun Nagai “Kōgen Roman”

This is a song that could be called a “hometown hymn,” crafted by singer-songwriter Ryuun Nagai with deep affection for Takaharu Town in Miyazaki Prefecture.

Born out of a 2010 live performance, the piece weaves together the town’s history, abundant nature, and even its culture with care.

As you listen to Nagai’s lyrical, faintly wistful voice, you can almost see the tranquil scenery spread out at the foot of the majestic Kirishima mountain range.

The warm feelings for his hometown may speak not only to local residents, but also to many who hold Miyazaki close to their hearts.

It’s the perfect song for moments when you want to reminisce about your travels.

Skyline of MemoriesMitaka Jun

Skyline of Memories

There was a time when, whether it was for a field trip or a school excursion by bus, the bus guide would sing and the students would join in.

This song brings back memories of those nostalgic scenes.

Part of the lyrics quotes the German poet’s “At the Mountain’s Summit.” While that poem expresses a longing for the mountains as an ideal land, this song sings of feelings for one’s youth.