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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Chubu (1–10)
Shizuoka Prefectural SongShizuoka-ken
As a prefectural anthem symbolizing Shizuoka’s rich nature and culture, this song has been cherished by many residents since its adoption in 1968.
Its lyrics, depicting the majestic figure of Mount Fuji and the scenery of the four seasons, were selected from an astonishing 1,124 public submissions.
Composed by Yoshinao Nakata, the melody is gentle yet powerful, resonating deeply with listeners.
A single featuring the vocals of The Bonny Jacks and Kyoko Ito was released in October 1968.
It remains a timeless classic that has conveyed the charm of Shizuoka across generations for over half a century, and you can still listen to it on the prefecture’s official website.
Mie Prefectural AnthemMie-ken
This prefectural anthem was released in April 1964 to coincide with the completion of the new government building and the adoption of the prefectural emblem.
The lyrics were written by Kiyoko Tsujihashi, selected through a public contest, and the music was composed by Nobuo Iida, known for his film scores.
The lyrics weave in landscapes such as the Ise Sea, the Suzuka Mountains, the Isuzu River, and places like Kumano and Ise, encapsulating the charm of the hometown.
Its bright, dignified melody evokes the energy of Japan’s period of rapid economic growth.
It’s a song that has long been loved by residents—truly a regional treasure.
Toyama Prefectural Residents’ SongToyama-ken
Set against the Tateyama Mountain Range—symbol of Toyama Prefecture—and the waters of Ariiso Bay, this is the prefectural anthem beloved throughout the region.
Established in April 1958, it was created in connection with that year’s Toyama National Sports Festival.
The lyrics portray the majestic mountains, the sea, and the rich land, imbued with the hopes of people moving from postwar reconstruction toward the future.
Its clear, powerful melody is striking, uplifting all who hear it.
A work brimming with hometown pride, it lets listeners feel Toyama’s history and nature.
Gifu Prefecture Residents’ SongGifu-ken
This piece, established as the prefectural anthem in 1955, celebrates Gifu Prefecture’s rich nature and culture.
The lyrics were chosen through a public contest, and the music was composed by Masaru Hattori.
Please also note the worldview of the lyrics, which depict the beautiful scenery of mountains and rivers and convey pride in the homeland.
Its bright, refreshing, choir-like melodic line is another hallmark—and arguably the secret to its enduring popularity.
It remains a beloved song that brings the hearts of the prefecture’s people together in many settings, which is truly wonderful.
Our AichiAichi-ken
Composed in August 1950 during the postwar reconstruction period to coincide with the Aichi National Sports Festival, this is the official symbol song of Aichi Prefecture.
Written by Yuji Koseki, the piece is a grand work imbued with the richness of nature, the vitality of industry, and a wish for peace.
An SP record featuring the vocals of Ichiro Fujiyama and Aiko Anzai was released the same year by Nippon Columbia, and its structure—usable both for ceremonies and as a march—is particularly distinctive.
The song continues to be cherished and sung today, with the sheet music published on the prefecture’s website, among other efforts.
Niigata Prefectural AnthemNiigata-ken
This work was established in 1948, during the postwar reconstruction period.
The lyrics were selected through a public competition, and the music was composed by Kyosei Akemoto.
The lyrics express not only the prefecture’s abundant nature and industries, but also a desire for peace and democracy that reflected the social climate of the time.
The melody is characterized by the strength of a march combined with the familiarity of a popular song.
At the time, an SP record was produced featuring performances by national star singers Ichirō Fujiyama and Setsuko Maejima.
It is a representative song of Niigata Prefecture that has been sung for many years at schools, ceremonies, and other official prefectural events.
The Ishikawa Prefectural AnthemIshikawa-ken
It was selected through a public call as part of the celebrations for His Imperial Highness the Crown Prince’s wedding and was established in November 1959.
The lyrics weave in the rich natural features of Hakusan, the Kaga Plain, and the Noto Peninsula, while the march-style melody evokes pride in the homeland and a sense of progress toward the future.
Interestingly, there had also been an earlier prefectural anthem with the same title in 1948, shortly after the war.
At the 1991 Ishikawa National Sports Festival, Alfred Reed quoted this work’s melody in his march “Golden Eagle.”