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A classic song celebrating Oita. The enduring spirit of our hometown [2026]
When you hear “Oita Prefecture,” what kind of image comes to mind?Many people might immediately think of it as the “onsen prefecture,” since it boasts the highest number of hot spring sources and the greatest volume of hot spring water in Japan, and is home to many nationally renowned hot spring resorts.In this article, we’ve selected and compiled local songs from Oita, as well as songs related to Oita by artists from the prefecture.You might even discover, “Oh, this song was connected to Oita?”Enjoy the read!
A classic song about Oita: The heart of our hometown passed down in song [2026] (1–10)
A Man’s HarborToba Ichirō
This is the 14th single released in 1986 by Ichirō Toba, an enka singer known for performing many songs about fishermen.
It is about Tsurumisaki, the easternmost point of Kyushu, located in Saiki City.
With this song, Ichirō Toba appeared in the 39th NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen.
Moon over the Ruined CastleFORESTA
“Kōjō no Tsuki” is one of Rentarō Taki’s signature works, a song that sings of the rise and fall of fortunes.
It is included in music textbooks, so many people are likely familiar with it.
Taki is said to have conceived the piece at the ruins of Oka Castle in Taketa City, Ōita Prefecture, where a statue of him now stands.
YufuinMinami Kōsetsu
“Yufuin,” sung by Kousetsu Minami from Oita, is a lyrical folk song that seems to convey the serene atmosphere of a hot spring town.
The gentle timbre of the acoustic guitar evokes the peaceful scenery of the town spreading at the foot of Mount Yufu.
The lyrics, wistfully singing “I want to see you once more,” can be heard not only as a longing for a beloved person, but also as a kind of nostalgia for a distant hometown.
Perhaps it’s precisely because Minami himself lives in Oita, in harmony with nature, that this song carries a special warmth.
It’s a captivating piece that makes you yearn for the beautiful nature of Oita.
Lingering Snowkaguya hime
Originally included on Kaguyahime’s album and later immortalized by Iruka’s cover, this song has become a timeless classic.
The lyrics and music were written by member Shozo Ise.
The actual landscape that inspired the song is Tsukumi City in Oita Prefecture, Ise’s hometown.
It’s said that Tsukumi Station served as the model for the poignant farewell scene in the lyrics, and today the station even uses the melody as its train approach chime.
Layering the image of someone departing by train with the motif of out-of-season snow, the song creates an atmosphere that deeply moves listeners.
Perhaps it’s imbued with the yearning for a distant hometown and the aching sense, so real at the time, that the two may never meet again.
all alonekaguya hime
This song, included on the B-side of the single “Boku wa Nani o Yattemo Dame na Otoko desu” released by the folk group Kaguyahime in 1972, is about Takenaka Station in Ōita City.
It was also included on the album “Hajimemashite.” This video features a version performed in 2005.
Oita Prefecture MarchSakushi: Shōtake Kentarō / Sakkyoku: Eguchi Yashi
Composed from lyrics solicited in a public competition to commemorate a newspaper’s founding in 1935 (Showa 10), this is a march that represents Oita.
The lyrics were written by Kentaro Shotake, an educator from Oita, and the music was composed by Yashi Eguchi, known for numerous hit songs.
Place names that appear in the lyrics—such as Yabakei, Mount Kuju, and the Bungo Channel—may evoke a deep love for one’s hometown.
With a march-like melody that feels both nostalgic and stirring, the piece powerfully reflects Oita’s rich natural beauty and the vitality of its people.
It’s said that choreography was even created when the song was first released, conveying just how beloved this piece has been as a song that vividly embodies Oita.
Hell EstheticianKatte ni Kankō Kyōkai
This is a playful local song about Oita Prefecture by the duo Miura Jun and Hazama Hajime, known as the Self-Styled Tourism Association.
The striking title, “Hell’s Esthetician,” is said to be inspired by Beppu Onsen’s famous ‘Hell Tour.’ The lyrics parade the names of the various ‘hells,’ delivered in an irresistibly upbeat, festival-like tune.
In between, it also slips in local specialties like Bungo beef and dango-jiru, which might surprise some listeners with the sheer density of information.
Give it a listen as a companion for your trip to Oita, and your journey might become even more enjoyable.