[Okayama Songs] A roundup of local anthems and classic hits brimming with hometown pride!

Song of Okayama PrefectureNEW!Okayama-ken

Okayama Prefecture Song with subtitles and furigana (only the first verse reproduced) 4K

This is the prefectural anthem established in 1957, the year the new government building—symbolizing postwar reconstruction—was completed.

It was presented at the Okayama Industrial and Cultural Exposition held shortly thereafter, and performed at major milestones such as the 2005 Hare-no-Kuni Okayama National Sports Festival, uniting the hearts of prefectural residents.

The lyrics, selected through a public contest, express hopes for peace and progress against the backdrop of the Seto Inland Sea’s gentle waters and the surrounding mountain ranges.

The composition was handled by Yasutaka Mizuno, then a professor at Okayama University, and its melody is both approachable and dignified.

The SP record released at the time also included a wind band arrangement, making it a valuable work that continues to convey the region’s history and pride.

WashuzanMizumori Kaori

Washuzan - Kaori Mizumori - Local Song Okayama - Volume 6

Mount Washuzan is a 133-meter-high mountain located in Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture.

The song depicts a breakup between a man and a woman, and it can be interpreted as them visiting Okayama for their final trip together.

By the way, near Mount Washuzan there’s a theme park called Washuzan Highland, so if you visit on a date, why not stop by?

News from BizenNonaka Saori

[Full MV] Saori Nonaka “Bizen Dayori” [Official]

This is the city song created to commemorate the 20th anniversary of Bizen City’s merger in Okayama Prefecture.

It was released in October 2024.

The lyrics weave in three colors—red representing the flames of Bizen ware, blue representing the Seto Inland Sea, and green representing the satoyama woodlands—vividly portraying the region’s nature and industries.

Blending the emotional depth of enka with a familiar, hymn-like melody, it’s a piece that anyone can hum along to.

Saori Nonaka’s clear, expansive vocals warmly sing of Bizen’s landscapes—the Seto sea, silhouetted islands, and stands of trees.

The song has become beloved as a locally rooted piece, sung in unison by all participants at city ceremonies.

OK! Okayamaangela

OK! Okayama

This is a local song packed to the brim with love for Okayama Prefecture, where the Momotaro legend was born.

It’s included on the album “Welcome!” released in October 2023.

As a collaboration with comedian Hanawa, it’s full of humor.

Highly recommended for those who want to listen to a track brimming with hometown pride.

Just listening might help you rediscover the charms of your hometown.

Saidaiji BluesSegawa Eiko

Saidaiji Blues / Eiko Segawa

This is a song about Saidaiji, a temple of the Koyasan Shingon sect located in Higashi Ward, Okayama City, Okayama Prefecture.

The song also includes references to the Hadaka Matsuri (Naked Festival), known as Saidai-ji Eyo, which is held at Saidaiji every February.

This event is also called the “Naked Festival” and is known as one of Japan’s three great eccentric festivals.

Donburako ~The Song of Okayama, the Town of Momotaro~40mP

"Always with a Smile" Donburako — The Song of Okayama, the Town of Momotaro — Music Video

This song became the theme song of Okayama City in 2013.

There’s also a version sung by actress Haruka Fukuhara, who appeared on NHK’s children’s cooking show “Cookin’ Idol Ai! Mai! Maim!” It’s a heartfelt track created by 40mP, a composer from Okayama, inspired by his hometown and the legend of Momotaro.

Song of Local Production for Local Consumption, OkayamaKanji Kai

Local production for local consumption, Okayama

A campaign song created to promote local production for local consumption! It features Okayama Prefecture’s specialty products—vegetables, fruits, seafood, and more—in abundance.

Since it’s sometimes played in supermarkets, many residents of Okayama have probably heard it.