Prefectural anthems you might not know well. Explore the lyrics and history of your hometown

Kumamoto Prefecture Citizens’ SongNEW!Kumamoto Prefecture

Kumamoto Prefectural Anthem with subtitles and furigana

Released in 1960, this work is Kumamoto Prefecture’s prefectural song, established to coincide with the 15th National Sports Festival held the same year.

Weaving in the majestic landscapes and history of Mount Aso, Kumamoto Castle, and Amakusa, it sings of the fiery spirit of the land and a hope for renewal.

Far from being a stiff ceremonial piece, it is characterized by a dignified melody that stirs the pride of its people.

At the time, it was recorded as an SP record by Nippon Columbia featuring vocals by Hisao Itoh, with a marching arrangement on the B-side.

In addition to being performed at the National Sports Festival, it has long been cherished as the opening theme for Kumamoto Broadcasting and as the hold music for the prefectural office’s telephone system.

After the 2016 Kumamoto earthquakes, it drew renewed attention as a symbol of recovery, remaining a beloved song across generations.

Light of hopeNEW!Fukuoka-ken

Fukuoka Prefecture Residents’ Song “Light of Hope” – Masaaki Kimura

This song, Light of Hope, which was designated as the prefectural anthem in October 1970.

The lyrics were based on a piece selected from a public competition and further refined by the poet Yutaka Maruyama, while the music was composed by Hachidai Nakamura, known for songs such as Sukiyaki (Ue o Muite Arukō).

The lyrics feature Fukuoka’s unique natural scenery and place names—such as Genkai, Mt.

Hiko, and Chikushino—and even include the word “airport,” evoking a sense of leaping into the future.

The piece has a simple structure with a march-like, sprightly rhythm and the repetition of bright phrases, making it sure to lift your spirits just by listening.

South windNEW!Nagasaki-ken

Nagasaki Prefectural Anthem “Southern Wind”

Established in 1961, this piece features lyrics crafted by the prefectural residents’ song lyric committee and music composed by Kensaku Yamaguchi.

It embodies a history of embracing foreign cultures, beautiful natural scenery, and hope for the future, shining a bright light in the hearts of listeners.

At the time of its adoption, it was released as an SP record sung by Akira Wakayama and the first Columbia Rose.

The arrangement by Toru Funamura is another luxurious highlight.

It has continued to be sung at important occasions for over half a century, including a performance at the ceremonies of the 2014 Nagasaki Ganbaranba National Sports Festival.

Today, various versions such as wind band and choral arrangements have been developed, and it is widely cherished in schools and communities.

Kagoshima Prefectural AnthemNEW!Kagoshimaken

Kagoshima Prefectural Residents’ Song (Choral Version), composed by Kósçak Yamada / arranged by Masashi Ishida (2019)

Composed by the renowned composer Kosaku Yamada, this piece is imbued with the passion of the prefecture’s residents striving for postwar reconstruction.

With lyrics by Toshio Sakaguchi, it weaves hopes for peace and a spirit of friendship together with images of rich natural beauty—such as Sakurajima, the southern blue sky, and the Kuroshio Current.

Characterized by a 6/8 rhythm, it’s a song that conveys an embracing gentleness and a sense of expansiveness.

Established in December 1948, it has been used at official ceremonies like the Prefectural Citizens’ Commendation Ceremony and the Prefectural Sports Festival, and has been sung for generations.

It also serves as the start-of-work chime at the prefectural government building, making it a familiar melody for residents.

It is a work that allows us to feel the sentiments of those who rose from the devastation of the postwar period and sought to build a new homeland.