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

Tōi Misaki Travel SentimentFunaki Kazuo

Tōi Misaki Travel Sentiment

Kazuo Funaki’s local-themed song has a very distinctive charm.

Although the track itself was released in 1997 and is not from the Showa era, its lyrics resemble a haiku with a five-seven-five rhythm.

It captures the atmosphere of Cape Toi, and Funaki’s uniquely clear, expansive voice—untouched by age—is as strong as ever.

Hyuga-nada (Hyuga Sea)Toba Ichirō

Hyuga-nada / Ichiro Toba cover by Keizo

Because the Kuroshio Current flows through the Pacific waters off the eastern coast of Miyazaki Prefecture, the Hyuga-nada is ideal for fishing and, as mentioned in the lyrics, serves as a fishing ground for tuna and bonito.

While the song powerfully portrays rugged, manly fishermen, it also conveys the loneliness of their work—thinking of their mothers and the lovers waiting for them back home as they head out to sea.

Starting today, the two of us are people from Miyazaki.Matsutoshihiko

Starting today, the two of us are people from Miyazaki.

For those who spent their youth in the Showa era, this honeymoon song may bring back memories of Yuzo Kayama’s line, “I’m so happy,” delivered as he rubs his nose.

Miyazaki Prefecture, full of a tropical mood, seems like a place where you can spend time at a leisurely pace.

Toshihiko Matsu, a native of Nobeoka City in Miyazaki Prefecture, has written and composed many works overflowing with love for his hometown.

Cape Toiakatsuki hiromi

Hiromi Akatsuki: Toi Misaki (Cape Toi)

There’s another song with the same title, “Toi Misaki,” but it’s a completely different piece.

That’s how strongly Toi Cape comes to mind as a tourist spot in Miyazaki Prefecture.

It’s neither enka nor pop, yet it feels like the kind of song you might find yourself humming before you know it.

Rather than a tourism promotion, it gently portrays the scenery and ocean views from Toi Cape just as they are, with a natural, tender feel.

Our MiyazakiMiyake Shinji, Ishizuka Hidehiko, Yamasaki Masayoshi

2015 Our Miyazaki Yamasaki Masayoshi Hidehiko Ishizuka Shinji Miyake Miyazaki Minami High School Brass Band and Choir Hope and Sun Rock Festival

Shinji Miyake, a native of Miyazaki Prefecture who has performed with Kiyoshiro Imawano and many other musicians, and Masayoshi Yamazaki—so far, so good.

But wait—there’s also Hidehiko Ishizuka, the well-known gourmet reporter famous for saying “Maiu!” These three are known as the “New Phoenix Men” and are active at festivals and other events in Miyazaki Prefecture.

This song features lyrics written by Miyazaki Minami High School, with the music composed by Miyake.

It’s a youthfully spirited song where Miyazaki and adolescence come together as one.

My Miyazakiochiai takamichi

My Miyazaki (Song) Takamichi Ochiai

Mr.

Ochiai, originally from Nichinan City in Miyazaki Prefecture, retired from the company where he had worked for 35 years in 2003 (Heisei 15) and has been active as a singer-songwriter conveying the nature and spirit of Miyazaki.

Since Mr.

Miyazaki himself was born in 1951 (Showa 26), the songs that convey his hometown are very much in the folk-song generation style.

Miyazaki Paradisehashiguchi maki

Miyazaki Paradise_Hashiguchi Maki.wmv

It’s a cheerful Bon-odori-style song that promotes many famous spots in Miyazaki Prefecture.

It’s a bit of a shame that there isn’t much movement in the PV, but it does feature quite a few places I didn’t know about.

Perhaps because many myths originated in Miyazaki, one spot that caught my attention was Misogi-no-Ike.

It’s about a 10-minute walk from Eda Shrine in Awagihara, Miyazaki City, and, as the name suggests, it comes from myth and legend.

Miyazaki Prefectural SongHatsune Miku

Miyazaki Prefectural Anthem by Hatsune Miku

The first Miyazaki Prefecture anthem was established in 1934, but the one currently sung is the second, established in 1964.

In 2014, to mark the 50th anniversary of its adoption, it was also adopted as the departure melody at Miyazaki Station.

The lyrics are very easy to understand and vividly represent Miyazaki Prefecture.

The prefecture is putting effort into promoting it as well, and it is reportedly taught in singing lessons at public elementary and junior high schools.

Hietsuki Song of HomesicknessOka Yuuko

Hietsuki Nostalgia Song / Yuko Oka Cover: Eiko Yamaguchi (Doenka Eiko)

Feelings for one’s hometown vary from person to person, and when asked what the most treasured memory is, it might be something you wouldn’t even notice if you had never left home.

Hietsuki-bushi originated in Shiiba Village, Miyazaki Prefecture, and the image of my father cheerfully breaking into song during his evening drinks is seared into my mind—yet if I had stayed, I might have thought no more than, “There he goes again, Dad’s drunk and singing.” Yuko Oka sings about regions all across Japan, but the key in this one is set rather low, isn’t it?

Takachiho GorgeKitayama Takeshi

Takeshi Kitayama / Takachiho Gorge

Takachiho Town in Miyazaki Prefecture is also famous as a place linked to Japanese mythology, and the name Takachiho itself comes from those myths.

This is a motivational song from the mystical Takachiho Gorge about a man renewing his resolve and moving forward toward his goals.

While the enka style is somewhat similar to that of my mentor, Saburo Kitajima, the voice quality is completely different, giving it a softer, refreshingly gentle enka feel.