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

Message from the Blue ForestNEW!Aomori-ken

Song of Aomori Prefecture “Message from the Blue Forest” with lyrics and subtitles

A song established in January 2001, marking the dawn of the 21st century, that can be called a new symbol of Aomori Prefecture.

Aomori has two officially designated prefectural songs, but this is the one primarily used.

It’s striking how the phrase “Aoi Mori” (“Blue Forest”) is portrayed not only as the natural landscape, but also as a symbol of people supporting one another.

Produced by Katsuhisa Hattori, the piece features a sound that combines grandeur with warmth.

Why not listen closely and savor Aomori’s rich four seasons?

Aomori Prefecture AnthemNEW!Aomori-ken

The Sealed Prefectural Anthem “Aomori Prefecture Hymn” ver.20210923

This work magnificently sings of Aomori’s rich nature, its industries, and its hope for the future.

Established in September 1971 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the prefectural government, it is a prefectural anthem with a long history.

The lyrics were written by local haiku poet Yosuke Nagasawa, with additional lyrics by poet Hachiro Sato and music by Toshimitsu Tanaka.

The words evoke mountains and seas that symbolize the prefecture and express hopes for its development as an industrial city, conveying the fervor of Japan’s period of rapid economic growth at the time.

Although another song established in 2001 is now the mainstream, this piece has not been abolished under current regulations and can be regarded as a valuable work that tells the story of the prefecture’s journey.

Chiba Prefectural AnthemNEW!Chiba-ken

[Prefectural Anthem] Chiba Prefectural Anthem

This work was created in 1964 as a symbol of Chiba Prefecture riding the wave of rapid economic growth.

The lyrics, written by Yataro Suzuki, who was selected through a public call, and set to music by Yoshio Hasegawa, powerfully depict the rich seas of Boso, fields of rapeseed blossoms, and the resounding sounds of construction.

It was even featured in the 1972 public relations film “Kenmin no Uta,” reflecting a history in which it supported the prefecture’s development alongside visual media.

Listening to its march-like melody, you may sense the vibrant atmosphere of the era.

Saitama Prefectural SongNEW!Saitama-ken

[Saitama Prefectural Song Promotion Video] Verses 1 and 2 (Part 1)

This march-style piece was created to unite the hearts of the prefecture’s residents in the lead-up to the 1967 Saitama National Sports Festival.

Its lyrics weave in natural beauties such as the Chichibu mountain range and the flow of the Tone River.

Established in September 1965 and released on record, it has the history of being born as the second generation, replacing the prewar original.

It is also used as the prefectural government’s telephone hold music, so many people may have heard it in unexpected places.

Yamanashi Prefecture SongNEW!Yamanashi-ken

[Yamanashi Prefecture] Prefectural Song “Song of Yamanashi Prefecture”

The Song of Yamanashi Prefecture was established to help the region overcome the turmoil of the postwar period.

Set in 1950, the piece embodies a longing for the revival of local culture and the beauty of the homeland’s nature.

Woven with landscapes unique to Yamanashi—such as Mount Fuji and its vineyards—it portrays people joining hands toward a bright future, uplifting listeners with a sense of optimism.

In the year it was adopted, it was produced as an SP record by Japan Victor.

Even in 2019, the prefectural assembly discussed measures to promote its dissemination, and it remains a cherished song of the people, lovingly passed down to this day.