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

Shinano ProvinceNEW!Naganoken

Shinano no Kuni 4K Video

This is a prefectural anthem overflowing with local pride that enjoys overwhelming support from the people of Nagano.

Composed as a school song in 1900, it was officially adopted as the prefectural anthem in 1968.

Its lyrics, which comprehensively cover Nagano’s rich mountains and rivers as well as notable historical figures, are distinctive, and it’s counted among Japan’s three great prefectural anthems.

Although its content is like a geography or history textbook, the melody is easy to remember and singing it sets your heart ablaze.

It was even performed at the 1998 Nagano Winter Olympics, and it’s a song whose passion will surely overwhelm you, even if you’re not from Nagano Prefecture.

Mie Prefectural AnthemNEW!Mie-ken

Mie Prefectural Anthem

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’ SongNEW!Toyama-ken

Toyama Prefectural Residents' Song

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’ SongNEW!Gifu-ken

Gifu Prefecture Anthem with subtitles & furigana

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 AichiNEW!Aichi-ken

Song of Aichi Prefecture (Aichi Prefecture)

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.