Classic Songs About Nara: Local Anthems and Popular Hits [2026]

Nara Prefectural Citizens’ SongSakushi: Hagiwara Shirō / Sakkyoku: Fukushima Shōji

Vocal Group's Nara Prefecture Residents' Song

It is a stately, dignified piece that was established as Nara Prefecture’s official prefectural song.

Interestingly, the initially selected entry was once pointed out as resembling another prefecture’s song, so the work was created anew by Shiro Hagiwara and Shoji Fukushima, both from Nara.

With that background, the song sets to a grand melody iconic Nara scenes that everyone knows, such as the cherry blossoms of Yoshino, Mount Unebi, and the Great Buddha.

You can almost picture the pride of the ancient capital and the resilient people moving toward the future.

It is said to be performed as a chorus at prefectural events as well, and if you have a chance to hear it locally, it might feel all the more moving.

If it’s the Great Buddha…Nara Shōnen Shōjo Gasshōtai Anjerika with Masuda

If it's the Great Buddha...

This song was played as the monthly song on the mini-program “Children’s Songs,” which aired on Kansai TV.

Hidenori Masuda of the comedy duo Masuda Okada wrote and composed the song and also participated as a rapper.

The clay animation of the Great Buddha is another highlight.

Nara Prefectural Citizens’ SongNara Prefecture

Nara Prefecture Residents’ Song with Subtitles & Furigana in 4K

This prefectural anthem sings of the history and future of the ancient capital, Nara.

Established in 1968, it features lyrics by Shiro Hagiwara and music by Shoji Fukushima.

The lyrics include venerable place names such as Yoshino and Mount Unebi, creating a solemn composition that conveys the weight of history and the pride of its residents.

Its melody, well-suited for choral performance, also makes it familiar and easy to sing at schools and ceremonies.

Even today, the Prefecture’s Public Relations and Public Hearing Division lends out audio materials, treating it as an important cultural asset of the administration.

It remains a symbol of Nara, cherished for many years at local events and ceremonies.

Mahorobasadamasashi

Nara and the Yamato Road, “Mahoroba” Masashi Sada

It is included on Masashi Sada’s 1979 original album “Yume Kuyo.” The song portrays a romantic relationship between a man and a woman, and is characterized by its motif drawn from Empress Iwahime’s waka poem featured in the Manyoshu.

The album reached number one on the Oricon chart.

Yamatoji RhapsodyKawamoto Saeko

Yamatoji Rhapsody - Saeko Kawamoto

It’s a cheer song created to commemorate the 1,300th anniversary of the relocation of the capital to Heian, released in 2007.

The singer is San’eiko Kawamoto, a local native who is also known as the “Diva of Nara.” San’eiko Kawamoto has performed many other songs related to Nara, such as “Welcome to Heijō.”

Butts Buddhist statueKatte ni Kankō Kyōkai

Nara Prefecture Local Song “Buttsu Butsuzō” / Unofficial Tourist Association

Formed by Jun Miura and Hajime Anzai, who are known as fans of Buddhist statues, the unit “Katte ni Kanko Kyokai” (Self-Styled Tourism Association) creates unofficial tourism posters and local songs across Japan.

This track is included on “Katte ni Kanko Kyokai Vol.

2,” released in 2004.

Spring Fields of NaraYoshinaga Sayuri

Kasugano in Nara

This is the song included on the B-side of Sayuri Yoshinaga’s single “From Tenmabashi,” released in 1965.

It drew attention in 1987 when Sanma Akashiya featured it on the TV show “Waratte Iitomo!,” and the reissued record that same year sold over 100,000 copies.