Prefectural anthems you might not know well. Explore the lyrics and history of your hometown
You may have heard prefectural anthems at least once in your school music classes or at local events.Did you know that not every prefecture actually has one, and that some prefectures have even established multiple songs as their prefectural anthems?In this article, we’ll introduce all the prefectural anthems from around the country.The more you learn about these songs—filled with hometown scenery, history, and the pride of their residents—the deeper the world they reveal becomes.Be sure to check out the songs from your own hometown or any regions you’re curious about!
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Tohoku and Hokkaido (1–10)
Mogami RiverNEW!Yamagata-ken
One of Japan’s three great prefectural songs, it eloquently sings—through a dignified melody—of the majestic figure of the mother river that flows throughout Yamagata Prefecture.
Based on a waka composed from impressions during Crown Prince Hirohito’s visit in 1925, Akataro Shimazaki set it to music in 1930.
Beloved by residents for many years, it was officially designated as the prefectural song in March 1982.
Though consisting of just a single tanka, it distills the purity of a river that flows gently across vast fields and empties into the sea.
It continues to be sung at school events and ceremonies within the prefecture, and a monument bearing the song stands in Hiyoriyama Park in Sakata City.
Iwate Prefecture Residents’ SongNEW!Iwate-ken
This is a song established in March 1965 to commemorate the completion of the new Iwate Prefectural Government building.
The composition and arrangement were by Yoshinao Nakata, known for works such as “Summer Memories.” The lyrics, selected from a public contest, were written by Koji Tahara and depict Iwate’s vast skies, its storied culture, and hopes for the future.
Its bright, powerful melody stirs a sense of pride in one’s hometown.
At the time it was established, a single was released by Victor featuring performances by Sumito Tachikawa and Kyoko Ito.
Years later, in September 2007, a newly recorded version began airing within the prefectural office to build momentum for Hiraizumi’s World Heritage inscription and the hosting of the National Sports Festival.
Even as times change, it continues to be sung in evolving forms, serving as a symbol of Iwate.
Fukushima Prefectural SongNEW!Fukushima-ken
The Fukushima Prefectural Residents’ Song is adorned with the prefectural flower, tree, and bird throughout its lyrics, beautifully expressing the region’s natural beauty.
Established in February 1967, it is composed of lyrics and music selected through a public contest.
Created to strengthen residents’ sense of unity, the melody is cheerful yet somehow nostalgic—a work brimming with hometown pride.
After the Great East Japan Earthquake, it has also been used on television and at ceremonies as a symbol of hopes for recovery.
Even more than half a century later, it continues to be cherished and sung as a song that supports Fukushima’s recovery and hope for the future.
Prefectural AnthemNEW!Akita-ken
December 1959, as Japan moved from postwar reconstruction into a period of rapid growth.
This work was selected through a public contest by Akita Prefecture as a symbol of a new era and enacted as the second prefectural anthem.
Reflecting the spirit of a “leaping-forward Akita” in anticipation of the Hachirōgata land reclamation project and the National Sports Festival, it is composed in a bright and lively style.
In 1961, King Records produced it on SP records, and it was later reissued as a single.
It was also incorporated into the fourth movement of “Great Akita,” a piece for chorus and wind band created in 1968 as part of the Meiji Centennial commemorations, and has been cherished deeply as more than a mere ceremonial song.
Akita Prefectural AnthemNEW!Akita-ken
This prefectural anthem, which sings of Akita’s mountains, rivers, and history in an elevated style, is a work of great historical significance established in October 1930.
It is the older of the two Akita prefectural songs.
The composition was created by Tamezo Narita from Kitaakita City, known for pieces such as “Hamabe no Uta,” with lyrics by Masashi Kurata from Daisen City and supplementary lyrics by Tatsuyuki Takano.
Its solemn and beautiful melody possesses an artistic resonance.
Although opportunities to sing it declined for a time after the war, it was reappraised when it was incorporated into the third movement of “Oinaru Akita,” a work for choir and wind band produced in 1968 as part of the Meiji centennial project, and it remains widely beloved today.
It is even hailed as one of Japan’s three greatest prefectural anthems.