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

Tokyo Metropolis SongNEW!Tōkyō-to

Tokyo Metropolis Song with Subtitles (Prefectural Song of Tokyo)

This work, which symbolizes the Tokyo Metropolis, was established in April 1947 during the postwar reconstruction period and has been passed down as a song carrying the hopes of Tokyo’s residents.

The lyrics by Shigehisa Harada and the music by Hiroshi Kasuya, both chosen through a public competition, depict a morning moving toward peace and abundant nature.

It is also historically notable that, when it was designated as the Tokyo citizens’ song, a 78 rpm record was released by King Records and a related wind band arrangement was produced.

Even today, it continues to be featured through tie-ins with public relations efforts timed to Tokyo Citizens’ Day, such as the 2024 issue of “Koho Tokyo.” While conveying the weight of history, this piece embodies a wish for a bright future and can rightly be called a song that represents the pride of Japan’s capital, Tokyo.

Prefectural AnthemNEW!Tochigi-ken

Tochigi Prefecture Prefectural Song

This work vividly evokes Tochigi’s beautiful scenery, from “horse-chestnut leaves” to Mount Nantai and the Kinu River.

Since its adoption in December 1962, it has been a song beloved by the prefecture’s residents for over half a century.

With lyrics by Kiyoshi Oka and music by Hiroshi Kawashima, it brightly and boldly sings of the region’s rich nature, industrial development, and the harmony of its people.

In September 2017, a cover version by Da Capo was also released, whose crystal-clear harmonies add a new charm.

As the melody played at times such as Tochigi Television’s sign-off, it is a familiar presence to locals.

New LightNEW!Kanagawa-ken

Kanagawa Prefectural Anthem “Hikari Aratani” High Quality

Enacted in April 1950 during the postwar reconstruction period, this prefectural residents’ song has long been cherished as a symbol of Kanagawa Prefecture.

Notable for its lyrics that entrust hopes to a new era and evoke the region’s rich natural environment of sea and mountains, the piece also captivates with its dignified melody composed by Nobuo Iida.

As for recordings, in addition to an SP disc by Noriaki Fujii and Ryoko Fujiwara, a cover version by Koichi Miura and Hamako Watanabe was produced in 1966.

It can be described as a song imbued with the history of the homeland and the sentiments of its residents.

Song of Gunma PrefectureNEW!Gunma-ken

[High-Quality Video & Audio] Gunma Prefecture Song with Lyrics

A prefectural anthem composed by Ryoichi Hattori, a composer renowned in the history of Japanese popular music, featuring a grand and radiant melody.

The lyrics, which depict the majestic nature including Mount Akagi and the people of the prefecture boldly advancing into the future with hope, were selected through a public contest.

Did you know that this song is actually Gunma Prefecture’s third prefectural anthem? It was instituted in October 1968 as part of the projects commemorating the 100th anniversary of the Meiji era.

Because it was broadcast for many years at the start and end of Gunma Television’s programming, many people may remember hearing its melody.

For more than half a century, it has remained a beloved classic through regional ceremonies and broadcasts.

Ibaraki Prefecture Residents’ SongNEW!Ibaraki-ken

Ibaraki Prefecture Residents' Song

Enacted in March 1963, this work captivates with lyrics depicting the beautiful ridgelines of Mount Tsukuba and its rich waterside scenery.

The melody, arranged by composer Kozo Hirai, is characterized by a bright, clear resonance.

In 2025, it will be re-recorded for the first time in about 60 years with the cooperation of local high school students, making it a piece that can be called a symbol of Ibaraki, passed down across generations.